Coronation Street star Antony Cotton has been announced as the first celebrity ambassador of armed forces charity SSAFA, having supported the charity's recent Left Behind campaign.

Chief executive David Murray commented 'Antony has demonstrated huge commitment to the cause and a real passion for the work we do. He has close friends who are currently serving as well as some who are mothers who have lost sons during recent conflicts. He fundamentally understands the work SSAFA does to support British Armed Forces, veterans and their families and we are hugely proud to announce him as our first celebrity ambassador', while Cotton described himself as 'truly honoured' to take up his new role.