ROSSENDALE'S TV, film and stage star Jane Horrocks has been named as the first president of one of the valley's most prestigious theatre groups.

The Horse and Bamboo Theatre, which has been wowing audiences for more than 24 years, has welcomed the star of the hit TV comedy Absolutely Fabulous and the Oscar-nominated film Little Voice and hopes she will be able to attend a production soon.

The former Fearns High School pupil, who celebrated her 38th birthday last month, said she was delighted with the role, despite her many professional and family commitments.

Jane is married to writer Nick Vivian and has two young children, Dylan and Molly.

Artistic director and founder of the Waterfoot-based group Bob Frith said: "We are thrilled that Jane has accepted our offer and we are acutely aware that she has a very hectic schedule with her film and television work as well as her family life. "She will be a president who, by her name and association, will help to promote the work that we create here at the Horse and Bamboo Centre and on our national and international tours.

"She told us that her children love puppets and hopes that she will be able to catch one of our shows in the not too distant future.

"Horse and Bamboo have built a track record as one of the leading visual theatre companies in Europe."

Horse and Bamboo is about to embark on a five-week national tour of its production The Girl Who Cut Flowers and there will be a pre-tour preview of the show at the centre in Waterfoot on February 16.

Tickets are available on 01706 220241, priced £3 and £2 for under 16s. The show is not recommended for unaccompanied children under 12.

A new show called Company Of Angels -- The Story of Charlotte Salomon will tour in the autumn.