Coronation Street star, Antony Cotton, has been tucking into some tea and cake in a Lancashire city’s car park – but it is all for a great cause.
Antony, who plays Sean Tully in the ITV soap, was pictured at a Waitrose car park in Walton-Le-Dale, Preston, as part of a charity bus tour.
The Not Forgotten, a British Armed Forces charity for wounded, sick and injured serving and ex-military personnel, brought their ‘Anyone For Tea’ Tour to the Lancashire city.
Part of a 10-day road trip, the tour aims to raise awareness of the charity’s work and brought entertainment, cheer and chat to UK veterans, serving personnel and their friends and families.
It was all served up with a slice of cake and a biscuit or two and washed down with a great British cuppa - from a specially liveried double decker bus that local residents couldn’t miss.
The charity was thrilled to welcome Coronation Street actor and British Army personnel and veterans supporter, Antony Cotton who chatted to the veterans and their guests.
He also spoke about his decision to support the tour and attend the Preston event.
Antony said: “I am here today in very sunny, hot Preston supporting The Not Forgotten association.
“It is an amazing organisation and I am very proud to support them.
“If you ever see the Not Forgotten bus, please give them a wave.”
Forces Sweetheart, Annie Riley entertained the troops and Waitrose customers, singing a varied set including popular classic hits from across Her Majesty The Queen’s reigning years.
The tour, which is sponsored by 11 Waitrose stores, will see the Anyone For Tea bus pull up at other easily accessible Waitrose car parks at locations from Cornwall to Glasgow.
The Not Forgotten was founded 102 years ago to provide entertainment and recreation, including social activities and challenge holidays, for wounded, sick and injured service personnel and veterans and to improve physical and mental health, address isolation and loneliness, and promote a sense of community and balance.
The charity met up with some familiar faces including some of whom are already beneficiaries of the charity and made new friends, while raising awareness of their work.
The Not Forgotten already supports over 10,000 beneficiaries and hope to encourage more veterans to come forward so they can benefit from their varied programme of events.
Rosie Thompson MBE, Head of Events, The Not Forgotten said: “We were thrilled to launch the Anyone For Tea Tour Bus and couldn’t have done this without the sponsorship and assistance of Waitrose.
"We’re delighted to have Waitrose onboard and it was fantastic to welcome so many veterans of all ages as well as their friends and families to share in the celebrations.”
Sarah Collins, Team Manager Partner Operations, Waitrose commented: “We are delighted to sponsor this important event which celebrates The Platinum Jubilee and the UK’s veterans who make up such a valuable part of our community.
"Our Partners are all looking forwarding to welcoming customers and those within our regional communities to what is bound to be a fantastic and fun-filled Tour.”
The Not Forgotten combats isolation and loneliness amongst the Armed Forces community through social activities and challenge holidays. If you are a serving or ex-member of the Armed Forces or you know of someone that could benefit from the help of The Not Forgotten, please get in touch by contacting Tel: 0207 730 2400
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