THE actor who created a much-loved character in the hit TV series 'Allo, Allo!' has agreed to be the patron of a group trying to bring life back to East Thurrock's Coalhouse Fort.

The Coalhouse Fort Historical Society has been working since 1980 to help keep the Fort open to the public and is currently working on a plan with Thurrock Council to ensure that its doors can be reopening to the public in the near future.

The Fort was closed by Thurrock Council in January in a move that caused some local controversy and prompted the formation of another group, Coalhouse Fort Future, as opinions were split on the way forward.

However, it is hopped that their will be positive developments in 2021 and looking forward to that will be actor Guy Siner, who the Historical Society have announced is to be the Fort's new patron.

The actor is known the world over for his portrayal of Lieutenant Gruber, one of the original and enduring characters of over 90 episodes of 'Allo 'Allo! which is one of the most successful comedy series the B.B.C. has ever produced and is still shown in more than 80 countries.

A statement from the society said: " It will be an honour for us all to work with him to promote the fort and the work that we will be doing to work closer with the local community and to encourage visitors from the United Kingdom and the rest of the globe.

"Guy will be such an excellent ambassador for Coalhouse Fort."