Former The Bill and Coronation Street star Andrew Lancel is to be the first patron of established Liverpool homelessness charity Paper Cup Project

Liverpool born TV actor Andrew Lancel has pledged his support for local charity Paper Cup Project to assist its work tackling homelessness across Liverpool by becoming its first patron.

Paper Cup Project is a well established and respected charity, known for its work supporting rough sleepers and people experiencing homelessness. It works via outreach and by raising awareness of the issues faced by people sleeping rough.

Andrew is best known for his TV roles in The Bill and Coronation Street as well as his critically acclaimed theatre work in shows such as Epstein, Twelve Angry Men and The Damned United.

He joins the charity as is is about to embark on a new venture. This is a coffee shop which will offer training and support to people across the region who have experienced homelessness.

“I am hugely proud to be part of this incredible and important project in Liverpool,” he said. “The work done by the Paper Cup Project team is vital and important. I look forward to seeing the charity taking the next step by offering opportunities to people who may otherwise find it difficult to access support.”

Michelle Langan, chief executive of Paper Cup Project, added: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew as our first patron. He has been a great supporter of our work since we first set up five years ago, and has encouraged and promoted our charity at every opportunity.

“The past 12 months have been a difficult time for everyone, and we are now looking ahead to a new initiative for the charity with the opening of our brand new coffee shop, Paper Cup Coffee. It’s the perfect time to welcome our first patron, and we are pleased to have such a fantastic local actor and genuinely nice man to join us on the adventure.”