Joanna Lumley new patron of Dagenham charity

John Phillips ACTRESS Joanna Lumley has become the patron of an award-winning Dagenham charity which sends tons of garments to developing countries each year with the help of disabled workers. The staunch human rights campaigner, who charmed Gordon Brown into letting G

John Phillips

ACTRESS Joanna Lumley has become the patron of an award-winning Dagenham charity which sends tons of garments to developing countries each year with the help of disabled workers.

The staunch human rights campaigner, who charmed Gordon Brown into letting Gurkha veterans settle in Britain last month, is the new celebrity figurehead of the Osborne Partnership, which recycled more than 230 tons of clothes, giving work to 20 disabled people last year, and scooped an Archant newspaper group environment award in November.

The former New Avengers and Absolutely Fabulous star, 63, a passionate environmentalist, said: "I'm so impressed by the important and effective work the Osborne Partnership undertakes. I'm very proud to be a patron to the charity.

"My fondest best wishes to them all and the fine people both undergoing training and to those teaching them."

Osborne projects manager Ian Wall, 38, is hoping Lumley, who was tied up filming last week, will soon visit the charity in Osborne Square.

He said: "It's 'absolutely fabulous' to get the support of such a well known celebrity to endorse the work of the Osborne Partnership.