Acclaimed writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce is new patron of Liverpool homeless charity Paper Cup Project

Frank Cottrell-Boyce has agreed to be a patron of Liverpool charity Paper Cup Project.

Frank is an acclaimed screenwriter, novelist and is known for his children’s fiction works, including Millions, which won the Carnegie Medal, Cosmic and Noah’s Gold.

His credits include the opening ceremony for the 2012 summer Olympics in London and sequels to the Ian Fleming classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car.

For more than six years Paper Cup Project’s volunteers have regularly taken to the streets of Liverpool city centre in all weathers to offer food, clothing and support to rough sleepers.

In January 2022 the registered charity opened Paper Cup Coffee, a coffee shop in Queen Square in the city centre. As well as selling food and drink, the venue offers training opportunities to homeless or vulnerably housed people in Liverpool.

Michelle Langan, chief executive of Paper Cup Project, said: “We are delighted that Frank is joining us as a patron for our charity. In February last year, we opened up our coffee shop, Paper Cup Coffee, which Frank has been a great supporter of.

“He has paid forward coffees several times for our customers, which has been a fantastic support for the shop and the charity.

“It’s an exciting time for us, and we are so honoured and pleased that one of Liverpool’s best loved talents is joining to support the work which we do for our homeless friends. As well as being a real local talent, he has a wonderful heart.”

In September 2022 Michelle launched a £10 per person co-working space on the upper level of Paper Cup Coffee, offering wi-fi, power points and filter coffee. The space is also available for hire for events.