Television star Robert Lindsay has been announced as the new principal patron of Buckinghamshire-based charity, Scannappeal.

The country was left saddened last year after the charity’s former patron, Cilla Black, passed away – with Mr Lindsay keen to continue on the great successes in the past.

The My Family star, who currently lives in Denham, has lived in the county for more than 21 years.

He said: “As a Buckinghamshire resident, I’ve witnessed first-hand the fantastic outcomes that Scannappeal helps our local NHS to deliver.

“And as someone who is a passionate believer in our NHS, the opportunity to really make a difference and help our local community receive an even better service when they need it was simply a pull I could not resist.”

During 2016 the charity will launch at least three new appeals that, with the new principal patron’s support, will assist even more NHS patients to receive faster and more effective treatment and diagnosis.

Scannappeal chairman, William Baxter CBE, said: “We’re thrilled to have Robert join our team at Scannappeal and we’re looking forward to a long and rewarding partnership with him.

“We’re continuing to take great strides forward in helping our local NHS hospitals become centres of excellence and deliver world class service.

“Having Robert on board is simply going to help us achieve even more.”