British actress Judi Dench and singer Mick Jagger are among more than 200 celebrities who have urged the people of Scotland to 'vote no'.

They are among more than 200 names of entertainment world stars and public figures who have joined the 'Let's Stay Together' campaign to save the union and stop Scotland trying to divorce itself from the UK.

Also on the list are the Saturday night television rivals Bruce Forsyth and Simon Cowell, and Professor Stephen Hawking.

The campaign to urge people in Scotland not to vote for independence is being headed by television historians Dan Snow and Tom Holland.

'Let's Stay Together' was launched last month with an online video featuring broadcaster Ross Kemp and the actress Michelle Collins and was criticised for not having attracted higher profile personalities.

The celebrities have signed an open letter to the people of Scotland which says "The decision on whether to leave our shared country is, of course, absolutely yours alone".

"Nevertheless, that decision will have a huge effect on all of us in the rest of the United Kingdom".

"We want to let you know how very much we value our bonds of citizenship with you, and to express our hope that you will vote to renew them. What unites us is much greater than what divides us. Let's stay together".

There are 215 signatories in total, including Alan Sugar, who said "It's for Scotland to decide how to vote but it has consequences for all of us. That's why so many of us have come together to say: let's stay together. We've achieved so much together and I know we can achieve so much more".

The letter will travel around Britain in the coming week, and members of the public will be urged to add their names to the list.