Corrie actor pays Downing Street visit

Coronation Street star Antony Cotton yesterday attended a Gay Pride reception hosted by David Cameron at 10 Downing Street.

The actor, best known for his role as Sean Tully on the Weatherfield soap, was among a number of gay celebrities who were present at the drinks party as Cameron pledged his support for "equal rights and equal treatment".

Cameron's event coincided with the launch of a new "Action Plan" created by his Coalition Government which aims to tackle discrimination against those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Cotton attended as a representative for The Albert Kennedy Trust, a voluntary organisation which provides assistance to homeless gay teenagers.

He told the Daily Mail: "It was set up after a young boy died in Manchester. He was homeless and was being chased by what you would now call homophobic bullies and he was chased to the top of a car park and jumped off. The trust helps young people all over the country who are homeless after coming out."

The 34-year-old was joined at the event by his former screen lover Charlie Condou (Marcus Dent) and ex-Weatherfield actress Amanda Barrie (Alma Baldwin).

Other celebrities in attendance included Blue singer Duncan James and BBC newsreader Jane Hill.