ACTOR Michael Sheen has taken up another role in the cultural and historical life of Newport by becoming patron of a newly formed friends group for the city's museum and art gallery.

The independent Friends of Newport Museum and Art Gallery aims to help support, preserve present and develop the 125-year-old institution's collections, and boost awareness of, and interest in, what chairman Richard Frame called "a fantastic resource."

Mr Sheen recently became a founder trustee of the body set up to decide on a new commemoration for the Chartist Uprising, in the aftermath of the controversial demolition last month of the city's Chartist Mural. Ten days ago he spoke at the Chartist Convention in the city.

Of his patronage of the friends group, he said museums and art galleries have key roles to play, not least in Newport.

“It concerns me that in these difficult financial times when funding decisions are having to be made, it’s not unusual to see heritage services being pared to the bone or even cut completely," he said.

"Having a friends group is just what the museum and art gallery in Newport needs at this moment. Last year I was proud to inaugurate the new Chartist display in the museum, and I’m honoured to continue my association by becoming patron of the new body.”

Mr Frame said the museum and art gallery has played an important part in the cultural life of the city, but in a climate of austerity and limitations on public expenditure, it needs as much help and support as possible.

“Our aim is to support the preservation, presentation and development of the collections of both the museum and the art gallery," said Mr Frame.

“Apart from the museum housing the extraordinary Roman artefacts from the early 20th century excavation at Caerwent, relics from the Newport Ship, a fine Chartist display, and a gallery devoted to the growth of the city in the 19th century, the art collection was recently described as being one of the finest and most comprehensive in the country.”

Museum and heritage officer Mike Lewis said the city council has had long and beneficial relationships with other friends groups, such as those supporting the Transporter Bridge and the Medieval Ship, and "very much welcomes" this new addition.

Talks and activities are being arranged for 2014. Friends group membership application forms can be had from the museum and art gallery, or by e-mailing membership@fonmag.org.uk