Posthumous Bafta for Pete Postlethwaite?

Shropshire actor Pete Postlethwaite was today nominated for a posthumous Bafta award for one of his final screen roles.

The 64-year-old, who died earlier this month after a long battle against cancer, has been shortlisted as best supporting actor for his performance as an evil florist in crime thriller The Town.

Postlethwaite, who lived near Bishop's Castle, will be up against Christian Bale, Geoffrey Rush, Mark Ruffalo and Andrew Garfield at next month's ceremony - Britain's answer to the Oscars.

The King's Speech, about King George VI's battle to overcome his stammer, is leading the way with 14 Bafta nominations. Colin Firth, who won the Golden Globe yesterday and plays the lead role, is up for best actor, and his co-stars Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter are also nominated.

Other Brits in the running include Christian Bale for The Fighter, Miranda Richardson for Made In Dagenham, and 127 Hours director Danny Boyle.

Ballet drama Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman, is up for 12 awards.