THE creator of loveable Plasticine pals Wallace and Gromit has stepped in to become a patron of Waterfoot's Horse and Bamboo Theatre.

Preston-born animator Nick Park, whose company Bristol based Aardman Animations, is the latest big showbusiness name to back the company, following hot on the heels of Rossendale-born actress Jane Horrocks, who is now the theatre's first president.

The genius behind Academy Award winning animation films, Creature Comforts, The Wrong Trousers and A Close Shave plus the box office hit, Chicken Run, has agreed to join the list of patrons and said the next time he is in the area he will take time out to visit the theatre famous for its masked productions.

Arts initiative manager Andrew Rawlinson said the Jane and Nick's recruitment represents a success for Horse and Bamboo's strategy to boost its regional and national profile.

He said: "It is vital that a theatre company creates a top quality repertoire, but also flags up the merit of its productions to as influential an audience as possible.

"After 24 years turning out top-notch visual theatre, Horse and Bamboo is determined to let the rest of the world know about its achievements. Enrolling the help of stars is vital to that process and we are thrilled that Nick and Jane are both prepared to act as ambassadors for Horse and Bamboo Theatre.

"It's a process that we are keen to develop and we will be looking to bring on board more big names in the near future"

Nick, 43, who was awarded a CBE in 1997, said he was delighted to become a patron describing Horse and Bamboo's work as 'creative and inspired theatre'.

He said: "I am really impressed by the quality and type of work that is being done at Horse and Bamboo."