AN actor famous for his roles in Paddington and Hot Fuzz has been named an ambassador for an arts charity.

Jim Broadbent has explained why he jumped at the chance to become an ambassador for the Bright Foundation – a charity providing arts experiences and workshops for young people in and around Hastings, East Sussex.

The 73-year-old Paddington and Hot Fuzz star has worked with foundation founder John Bright and his costume company Cosprop on a number of productions over the past 30 years.

He said: “John’s presence is always there and you always know it’s his vision.

“He’s the finest costumier in London, really, and when you go in you know you’re going to have a good time, it’s going to be fun, it’s going to be accurate and you’re going to find out more about your character than you thought you’d ever know.

“He will come up with ideas and suggestions for the costume which are far beyond what you had in your own mind.

“The foundation, museum and theatre is all about what John’s about.

“The research, detail and the playfulness – it’s a mixture of talent and knowledge and sense of fun that all comes together in this wonderful museum.

“John’s character is reflected in everything here.

“I was approached and asked if I’d like to be an ambassador and said, ‘Of course, yes’.

“Today, I’ve learned more and more about what the foundation is going to do and I’m even more thrilled and excited to be lending my name to it.

“It’s obviously going to be a brilliant part of Sussex cultural life and educational life.”