Alain Roux follows in his father's footsteps to become Hospitality Action patron

Industry charity Hospitality Action has welcomed Alain Roux as a patron as he takes on the mantle from his father Michel.

Michel, who passed away earlier this year, had supported the work of Hospitality Action for many years. Chief executive Mark Lewis said it would remember him "as much for his big heart, as for his genius as a chef".

Alain joins the likes of Tom Kerridge, Michael Caines and principal patron Jason Atherton in supporting the charity, which has helped hospitality workers in the UK since 1837.

The chef-patron of the three-Michelin-starred Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire, said: "It is a huge honour and privilege to be invited to become a patron of Hospitality Action and to follow in the footsteps of my father. He would be so pleased and proud.

"Like my father, I feel obliged to help where I can and I would not hesitate to recommend Hospitality Action's services to anyone in need. To support Hospitality Action is a natural step for me, to step forward to help and support those in need. Everyone needs help sometimes.

"I feel the same towards Hospitality Action as I do the Roux Scholarship, which was started in 1984 by my father and Uncle Albert. They both knew that knowledge meant nothing unless it is passed on; it's the same reason we support Hospitality Action. To give back to the industry that we love so dearly."