Elaine Paige has become an ambassador for the Royal Voluntary Service.
The singer and actress – dubbed the first lady of musical theatre – said she is thrilled to be joining the charity, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary.
“I’m so pleased to be joining Royal Voluntary Service as an Ambassador, particularly in its anniversary year,” said the star.
“I think the charity’s volunteers do a remarkable job keeping older people happy and engaged in their local communities and helping out in hospitals. With an ageing population, we need more of them than ever.”
Paige, 69, will play a pivotal role, alongside existing Royal Voluntary Service ambassadors Felicity Kendal, Wayne Sleep, Dame Patricia Routledge and Phillip Schofield, in promoting the work the charity does helping communities and hospitals through its 25,000 volunteers.
The organisation’s chief executive Catherine Johnstone said: “We are delighted to have Elaine on board as an Ambassador.
“She’s an incredible performer with huge drive and energy and has a real passion for encouraging people to stay fit and active as they age. We are greatly looking forward to her input and support in raising awareness of the important role volunteers have to play in society today.”
Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with over 25,000 volunteers supporting thousands of older people each month in hospitals and the community.