AWARD-WINNING actor Rory Kinnear has been announced as patron of a foundation, which was launched in memory of a Powys cameraman.

Mark Milsome, from Hay-on-Wye, was killed while shooting a car stunt on the set of TV show Black Earth Rising in Africa nearly three years ago.

The Mark Milsome Foundation was launched shortly after his tragic death to support young talent and shine a light on health and safety in the film and TV industry.

Rory, who has starred in three James Bond films and the BBC’s hit show Years and Years, said he was “honoured” to become the foundation’s patron.

His own father, legendary actor Roy Kinnear, was killed while filming The Return of the Musketeers in Spain in 1988.

The actor, writer and director said: “I am very honoured to have been asked to be Patron of the Mark Milstome Foundation.

“Thirty years after my own father’s needless death on a film set, Mark’s story has all too painfully reinforced how slow the industry I love has been to prioritise the safety of its workforce.”

Rory, who also starred in the Imitation Game, recently took part in a panel with the foundation at the Edinburgh TV Festival to debate health and safety.

He added: “By fighting for access, for awareness and empowering film and television professionals to say ‘no’ when they feel unsafe, we hope we might protect future generations from the life-defining tragedies we have had to endure, as well as making production sets a more inclusive, responsible, diverse, rewarding and ultimately more creative place to bring stories to life.”

Mark, who also lived in Builth Wells for 14 years, was a greatly admired and much-loved figure in the film and TV industry, having worked as a camera operator and director of photography on a string of top films.

His credits include James Bond movie Quantum of Solace, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Saving Private Ryan, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Some of his TV work included Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, The Durrells, Poldark and Liar.

A whole host of Hollywood names have pledged their support for the Mark Milsome Foundation including James Bond actors Daniel Craig and Dame Judi Dench.

Other stars supporting the cause include Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Keeley Hawes, Martin Freeman, Brian Cox and Hugh Bonneville.