ADMIRAL Pellew actor Robert Lindsay has become the new patron of Teignmouth Museum's revamp project. Mr Lindsay immortalised the town's most famous naval sailor in the 1990s serialisation of Hornblower, alongside Ioan Gruffudd. He did much research for the part in Teignmouth and south Devon. The actor, who has had recent screen success with My Family, said: 'I am delighted to become patron of the Teign Heritage Project. 'I remember researching Pellew in great detail before the filming of Hornblower and Teignmouth, and the south Devon coast around the town, featured prominently throughout his amazing career and into his retirement. 'The redevelopment of Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum will see the redisplay of the Pellew collection and this will offer visitors an opportunity to appreciate the contribution of the great man to the Britain's naval heritage.' Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum's Teign Heritage Project will oversee the total redevelopment of the volunteer-run museum in French Street. The museum houses the best collection of artefacts relating to Pellew in the country. Admiral Pellew, who later became Lord Exmouth, moved to Teignmouth having bought West Cliffe House, now Bitton House, in 1812. For the screen adaptation, Mr Lindsay drew heavily on his father's experiences in the navy. Much of the action was filmed in Plymouth, where his father was based. The actor is planning to visit the museum when he finds time from his busy filming schedule. It is hoped Mr Lindsay will be a key figure in raising the profile of the project locally and nationally as the museum embarks on its major fundraising campaign. Colin Trigger, chairman of the Teign Heritage Project, said: 'We are absolutely delighted that Robert Lindsay has agreed to become our patron. Robert is hugely popular and is really committed to the Teign Heritage Project. The museum is entering an important phase of fundraising and Robert's visible and active support, as patron is an important part of our strategy. 'We have applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund and we will hear the outcome in March, but we need to raise £400,000 from other sources over the next year. 'The small town museum will be transformed into a much larger, exciting and accessible heritage centre with a much-needed community space. 'Robert's patronage over the coming months will give us the profile we deserve.'
