A member of internationally-acclaimed band, Elbow, has been named as a new patron for The Met theatre in Bury.

Craig Potter, keyboardist with the Bury-born band, launched The Met’s recording studio back in 2011 and will be lending his expertise to the venue in this new role.

Craig said: “I’m very excited to be joining The Met as a patron.

"The Met is such an amazing venue and plays an important part in promoting music.

“Not only does it deliver an all-year round amazing programme of music, drama and comedy, but it also helps aspiring new bands and artists get their first break and often, their first live gig.”

The Mercury Prize-winning band first formed in 1997 and released their 10th studio album Audio Vertigo earlier this year, which reached number one in the charts.

Elbow also made history when they opened Manchester’s new Co-op Live area in May to an audience of more than 20,000 with their homecoming gig.

CEO at The Met Victoria Robinson said: “We’re delighted to welcome Craig to The Met as one of our patrons.

“Elbow is one of the greatest bands around, and we’re sure that Craig will be a valuable asset to us in the years to come.”

The independent venue opened on Market Street in 1979 and has hosted bands, singers and performers from across the world, including Joy Division, The Pixies and Peter Kay.

It has won Cultural Venue of the Year for two years running at the This is Manchester Awards and continues to champion local talent.

Victoria added: “We’re looking forward to seeing him at The Met.”