Antony Cotton honours late grandfather with veterans' care home role

Antony Cotton has honoured his late grandfather by becoming ambassador of a veterans\' care home.

The \'Coronation Street\' actor - who has played Sean Tully on the cobbles since 2003 - has always been open in his support for the armed forces and work with a number of military charities, and his latest project is one very close to his heart.

He said: "After spending some time with its residents over the past couple of months, I am honoured and humbled, in equal measure, to be asked to be an ambassador of Broughton House.

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"My own grandfather, Oswald Cotton, was a proud Salfordian who went to war with the British Army in 1939 and, although, he never needed the help of such an amazing place, it is in his name that I take on this new role with the greatest pride."

The memory of Antony\'s grandfather Oswald Cotton is a driving force behind his decision to support the Salford home, which will became the UK\'s first Veteran Care Village thanks to a £15 million redevelopment.

The two-acre site will feature a 64-bedroom care home, with up to 30 independent living apartments along with a military support hub, memorial park and landscaped gardens featuring both a bowling green and bandstand.

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The \'Corrie\' star added: "Broughton House is unique and magnificent and I am looking forward to working with the organisation as it moves forward into 2020 and beyond, with particular focus on the final stage of the building works, helping to raise funds to make this incredible new facility come to life."

And Broughton House chief executive Chris Lindsay heaped praise on the 44-year-old cobbles actor for his "energy and enthusiasm" for the project.

He said: "We\'re thrilled that Antony has agreed to become our latest ambassador.

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"We are extremely grateful for his support and look forward to working with him.

"His energy and enthusiasm for Broughton House will be a welcome boost as we transition into the UK\'s first Veteran Care Village."