A Bath charity which helps children in India get out of a life of poverty has a new celebrity patron.

Avengers star Dame Diana Rigg and her daughter Rachael Stirling have given their official support to Kerala Crafts.

The charity, which was set up in 2001, imports banana fibre baskets, bags and purses from the Vimala Welfare Centre in the southern Indian state of Kerala. These goods are then distributed to shops and Fairtrade outlets, with all the profits going back to the centre.

It also works with the Valsalya Bhavan or House of Affection orphanage, which is run by the centre, and is aiming to raise £75,000 to help build new accommodation for the girls there.

Kerala Crafts founder Christine Snow, from Oldfield Park, said the two new patrons were already getting actively involved in the charity's good work.

She said: "Diana lived in northern India for the first eight years of her life, where her father was a railway executive.

"Rachael visited the orphanage in February this year while on holiday in Kerala and said it was the highlight of her time in India. Between them Diana and Rachael have sponsored three of the girls."

Actress Felicity Kendal is also a supporter. Anyone wishing to support the charity should contact Mrs Snow on 01225 319642.

A classical singer from Newbridge will be performing a musical tribute to her actor father who died from meningitis.

Geoffrey Hutchings, who was 71, appeared in the TV series Benidorm and the films Clockwise and Wish You Were Here.

His 39-year-old daughter, Octavia, is organising a concert called Love is Stronger than Death tomorrow, the first anniversary of her father's death. Money raised will go to Meningitis UK.

Former Bath Spa University music student Octavia's son had a brush with death as a two-year-old when he also contracted the disease.

Tickets for the concert to be held at the Pump Room at 8pm are £15 and are available from the Bath Box Office on 01225 463362.