HUDDERSFIELD actress Zoe Lucker is championing a local cancer charity by becoming a patron.
The Lindley-born actress - who found fame as outrageous Tanya Turner in ITV show Footballer's Wives - has become a patron of the Laura Crane Trust.
The trust was set up in 1996 in memory of 17- year-old Huddersfield girl Laura Crane, who died from a complex mix of cancers that year.
It pays for research into cancers affecting 13 to 25-year-olds and provides facilities to improve life for teenage cancer patients.
Laura's mother, Jacquie Roeder, runs the trust.
It was she who asked Zoe to become a patron.
Zoe, 30, went to Huddersfield New College at Salendine Nook with Laura's older brothers, Patrick and Daniel Crane.
Jacquie said: "She knew Laura through the boys and she said she would help in any way she could. She was so willing and a really nice, friendly girl."
Zoe's role as patron will involve using her star status to highlight the charity's work.
One of her first tasks will be to attend the charity's Valentine's Ball at the Galpharm Stadium on February 12.
Comedian Jack Dee used to be a patron for the charity and attended several balls. He also held a show in Leeds in aid of the trust.
Jacquie said: "It really drew people in. Patrons can do all sorts of things to help."
