Southampton medical research charity Hope has revealed TV news presenter Alastair Stewart as its new patron.

Former ITN journalist Mr Stewart presents Police, Camera, Action! as well as the London news programme London Tonight.

A well-known TV reporter, Mr Stewart started his television career in Southampton on Southern Television. He has long been associated with Hope.

Last year he held an auction in Winchester which raised more than £35,000 to help fund research into meningitis.

Hope trust director Ray Kipling said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Alastair as our patron.

He has already played a very active role in helping us to raise money to fund research to fight disease and we know he will be a powerful figurehead for us in our aim to raise money to fight disease."