Veteran British actress Dame Judi Dench has been named the world's most inspirational woman in a new survey.

The Bond star topped the poll put together by drinks brand Baileys to find the top 100 "most spirited and inspiring women".

Dench saw off competition from fellow British actress Dame Helen Mirren, who came second in the survey, ahead of Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst at three.

The top five is rounded out by two more U.K. actresses, Dawn French and Joanna Lumley, at four and five respectively.

Others to make the top 10 include Dame Maggie Smith, writer J.K. Rowling and famed nurse Florence Nightingale.