Absolutely Fabulous star Dame Joanna Lumley has been announced as the honorary ambassador for armed forces charity SSAFA, following her work with the organisation's Gurkha beneficiaries.

Lumley follows in the footsteps of fellow ambassadors Dame Vera Lynn, Kate Adie and Antony Cotton, and commented 'I was so touched and proud to be asked to become a SSAFA ambassador. The charity deserves all the plaudits it receives and it gives me great pleasure to accept this honour'.