LEADERS of the new charity Men’s Matters had an important announcement to make at their formal launch last week - revealing that talk show legend Sir Michael Parkinson had agreed to become their patron.

Sir Michael has been described as the greatest British talk show host and is best known for presenting his long-running television talk show over a 36 year period.

He is a strong supporter of men’s issues having helped raise awareness of prostate cancer.

Men’s Matters is helping address the emerging crisis of isolation and loneliness among older men. Its activities are focused on East Berkshire and weekly drop-in sessions in Windsor will be expanded to include Slough and Maidenhead from this September.

The launch at the offices of the Radian housing association at Longwood Park, Common Road, Slough was attended by Slough Borough council leader Sohail Munawar and Cllr Madhuri Bedi who is community development officer at Radian.

Sir Michael could not be there in person but Tim Walker, chairman of Men’s Matters is delighted he accepted the invitation to be patron.

He said: “He is a wonderful role model for older men, and his association with Men’s Matters can help us spread the message.”