JANE Horrocks, star of TV's Absolutely Fabulous and the Oscar-nominated film Little Voice, has agreed to become the first president of Rossendale's Horse And Bamboo Theatre Company.

Jane, a former pupil of Rossendale's Fearns High School, said she was "delighted" with the invitation despite her many professional and family commitments.

Jane, aged 38, who is married to writer Nick Vivian and has two young children, Dylan and Molly, is not expected to fulfil a demanding role with Horse And Bamboo.

The company's artistic director and founder, Bob Frith, said: "We are thrilled that Jane has accepted our offer and we are acutely aware that she has a very hectic schedule with her film and television work as well as her family life. She will be a president who, by her name and association, will help to promote the work that we create here at the Horse And Bamboo Centre and on our national and international tours.

"She told us that her children love puppets and hopes that she will be able to catch one of our shows in the not too distant future.

"Horse And Bamboo have built a track record as one of the leading visual theatre companies in Europe.

"Jane's fine work in films such as Little Voice and Life is Sweet, plus her role as Bubble in Absolutely Fabulous, has established her reputation as one of the country's leading comedy actresses.

"She is the first president the company, which has been in existence for 24 years, has ever had, and we are particularly pleased that we have someone on board who has such strong connection with Rossendale."

Horse And Bamboo has embarked on a five-week national tour of its production, The Girl Who Cut Flowers.

The production uses masks, shadow theatre, puppets and live music.

In the autumn, the company is set to tour with its new show, Company Of Angels -- The Story of Charlotte Salomon.