EMMERDALE star and racing driver Kelvin Fletcher is the latest high profile star to be appointed as an ambassador of Lye’s Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

The actor – who shot to fame playing Andy Sugden in the hit TV soap – is hoping to help raise awareness of the lifesaving work of the organisation.

Kelvin, who also drives professionally for RJN Nissan with UltraTek, will attend the charity’s Strensham airbase in Worcester this morning (Tuesday, September 19) to meet aircrew and staff.

He is also being given a guided tour of the base, as well as seeing the helicopters and emergency lifesaving equipment which the charity has.

Kelvin said: “I am absolutely delighted to become an ambassador for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity to help support and raise awareness of the incredible lifesaving work of this great charity that has been saving lives for over 26 years.

“As someone who is passionate about rugby and motorsport I know only too well how important the work of the air ambulances are in helping to save lives in each of these sports.”

Kelvin joins a host of stars from the world of motorsport, sports and entertainment who are ambassadors and celebrity supporters of the lifesaving work of MAAC.

Former Top Gear and now Grand Tour Presenter Richard Hammond and F1 racing driver David Coulthard MBE and Nigel Mansell CBE are just a handful of the names who have supported the charity recently.

Other stars giving backing to the Dudley Road-based cause include Boyzone star Shane Lynch, Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon, comedian Jasper Carrot, actress Dame Julie Walters DBE, and star of ‘Only Fools & Horses’ John Challis.