A NORTH-East actor has been shortlisted for a charity supporter award.

Hollyoaks actor Andrew Hayden-Smith, who grew up in Chester-le-Street, has been shortlisted as celebrity supporter of the year at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2016.

The 32-year-old, who has also appeared in Byker Grove and Doctor Who, has supported the blood cancer charity since his father Wayne received a bone marrow transplant in December 2014.

Though his father died some months later, he has since participated in the charity’s campaigns highlighting the importance of stem cell donations, such as Mythbusting, the British Transplant Games, World Cancer Day and March of the Men and has worked within the gay community to ensure that the gay men are aware that they are eligible to donate stem cells.

He said: "I’m forever grateful to Anthony Nolan for giving me those precious extra months time with my dad that we might not have had. I feel it’s my duty to show my support to the charity in any way I can.”

Henny Braund, chief executive at Anthony Nolan, said: "Andrew is an incredible supporter of the charity and we’re delighted that he has been shortlisted for this award. Thousands of people support Anthony Nolan and enable us to carry out our lifesaving work. Andrew really has gone above and beyond in his commitment to the charity and we’re so grateful for everything that he does.’