Comedian and TV Presenter Nick Hancock has been unveiled as a Patron of the New Vic Theatre’s Building Futures Appeal. The Potteries-born star is supporting the £2.2 million appeal which will finance WorkSpace, a new multi-purpose production and activity centre currently being built in the theatre grounds, and fund the theatre’s award-winning community work.

Best known for hosting BBC sport quiz They Think It's All Over, Nick Hancock’s first big TV role was presenting Room 101. Born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent, Hancock began as president of the Cambridge Footlights, the university comedy troupe that also spawned Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson.

Nick Hancock said, “I am delighted to be able to lend my support to the New Vic’s Building Futures Appeal. Coming from Stoke-on-Trent I have a great affinity with the area and with the communities which are set to benefit from this crucial work. As a father myself I recognise the importance of working with young people to build self-worth and develop positive attitudes.”

The New Vic has an extensive and award-winning community involvement through its Borderlines and Education departments. Every year around 10,000 young people are involved in more than 100 projects tackling difficult issues like car crime, racism, bullying, teenage pregnancy and drug abuse. The Building Futures Appeal will help to meet the ever-increasing demand for such intensive, specialist and expensive programmes.

Other Patrons of the Building Futures Appeal include actors Kevin Whately and Sue Johnston, playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn and film director Mike Leigh.