Northern Ireland and Manchester United football legend George Best, former Ulster Secretary Mo Mowlam, past prime ministers Sir Edward Heath and Lord Callaghan and comedian Ronnie Barker were added to the online Oxford Dictionary of National Biography today.

They were among 215 men and women who died in 2005 whose lives were added.

Labour politician Robin Cook, author John Fowles, comedian Dave Allen, photographer Lord Lichfield, actor Sir John Mills, Soviet spy Melita Norwood, Edinburgh-born sculptor Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, American-born car manufacturer John DeLorean and pantomime dame Jack Tripp were also placed on the list.

Sir Edward’s biography was written by his former private and political secretary Douglas Hurd.

Talking about Sir Edward’s time at the Oxford Union, he wrote: “At the union he developed the style he retained through his life.

“His speech making fell short of greatness. He possessed neither a majestic voice (like Gladstone), nor the ability to coin a witty or dramatic phrase (like Disraeli)... he relied on intellectual honesty, a mastery of detail, and an aptitude for organising that detail in a lucid, persuasive way.”

Lord Callaghan died on the eve of his 93rd birthday. His biography has been written by his former cabinet colleague Lord Hattersley.

Mr Cook resigned when Britain joined the US in the invasion of Iraq.

Ms Mowlam’s role in the Northern Ireland peace process and her personal struggle against illness made her a well-loved and admired figure.

Belfast-born Best joined Manchester United as a teenager.

His speed and control of the ball allowed him to pass defenders with ease.

His boyish good looks and taste for the high life were his downfall in the 1970s and the story of his descent into alcoholism became part of national life for two decades.

Ronnie Barker was a master of characterisation as Fletcher in Porridge, and the grocer Arkwright in Open All Hours.

He came to public attention in the Frost Report and made his lasting impression partnering Ronnie Corbett in the Two Ronnies, which won fans young and old over its 15-year history.

The dictionary can be found at www.oxforddnb.com and it is freely available in most libraries.