AWARD-WINNING comedian Romesh Ranganathan has given his backing to a charity which helps homeless people in his home town.

The TV funny man has become a patron of Crawley Open House that helps provide support for people suffering the effects of homelessness, unemployment, loneliness, discrimination, or other forms of social exclusion.

Romesh, who was born in Crawley, has been a long-term supporter of Crawley Open House and has now joined as a patron to raise awareness of the charity's work.

He said: "As soon as I saw the incredible work that Crawley Open House is doing, I was desperate to be involved.

"They are permanently changing the lives of vulnerable people, and I have been completely blown away by the dedication and compassion of the whole team.

"It is my honour to be associated with such a fantastic organisation, even though they've made it quite clear they prefer my mum."

Romesh is known for such shows as The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, for which he won a Bafta in 2020.

He won another at this year's Bafta TV Awards for his BBC Two programme, The Ranganation.

Crawley Open House in Stephenson Way, Three Bridges, Crawley, helps the homeless and disadvantaged in Crawley and the surrounding areas.

James Abdool, chair of trustees, said: "Crawley Open House has worked hard to achieve great success in helping people in need in Crawley for over twenty-five years.

"We aim to provide a range of support flexible enough to meet the diversity and complexity of needs that people face. To achieve this, we continue to grow and change.

"Recent developments include the extension at Riverside House, the completion of eight first stage move-on rooms and our growing presence in the community.

"Romesh joins us at an exciting time with our new resource centre opening later this year, and we look forward to working together with him to give the very best help for the homeless and disadvantaged in Crawley."