TRIBUTES poured in yesterday for comic legend Bob Hope, who has died aged 100.

The British-born star passed away from pneumonia at his home in Toluca Lake, California, last night.

Hope, who celebrated his centenary in May, died with his family at his bedside.

US President George Bush led the tributes to the much-loved entertainer, saying America had lost a "great citizen".

"Bob Hope made us laugh and he lifted our spirits. Bob Hope served out nation when he went to battlefields to entertain thousands of troops from different generations," he said.

"We extend our prayers to his family as we mourn the loss of a good man. May God bless his soul."

British stars who knew Hope remembered him as one of the world's great entertainers.

Des O'Connor said: "He was a real star, the complete professional and an inspiration to thousands of wannabe comedians."

Chat show host Michael Parkinson remembered Hope as "one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century".

Born Leslie Townes Hope on May 29, 1903, in Eltham, south-east London, Hope emigrated to the US with his family at the age of four.

But he never lost his affection for the country of his birth and, in particular, for Eltham.

In 1980 he rescued the Eltham Little Theatre from closure, raising £58,000 through a series of charity golf games. It was renamed the Bob Hope Theatre in 1982 and Hope was there to unveil the plaque bearing his name.

Not far from the theatre is Hope's birthplace, 44 Craigton Road, which was reportedly put on the market by a local estate agent for £86,000 in 1998.

It was believed that the deeds still boasted the names of the comic's parents.