YORK actor Mark Addy has been announced as Patron of the York Culture Awards.

The awards aim to celebrate excellence in the arts and cultural sector, and will reach a climax in December.

Addy, whose career has included roles in The Full Monty, Game of Thrones and the Thin Blue Line, helped promote the event yesterday.

He said: "I’m thrilled to be able to support the York Culture Awards and all those involved. York is such a culturally rich city, with the arts being at the forefront of a lot of community activity. These York Culture Awards will help showcase lots of local talent, from artists to musicians, actors to playwrights. I’m especially interested to encourage local schools and community groups to submit an entry."

Kate McMullen, head of tourism at Make It York said: "We’re delighted Mark has agreed to be Patron for our inaugural York Culture Awards 2016. Being born and raised in York and then having gone on to achieve such a successful career places him in the perfect position for the role. We’re really excited to have him on board and look forward to welcoming him on stage at the awards in December."

Addy was born in Tang Hall and his family has lived in York for more than 100 years.