A HAWORTH-born actor who has starred in hit movies and TV programmes – including Happy Valley and Gentleman Jack – is backing a major anti-slavery campaign.

Vincent Franklin has teamed up with 18 other figures from the world of film, TV and sport to raise awareness of men's increased risk of becoming victims of modern slavery.

The campaign has been launched by the charity Causeway ahead of International Men’s Day, next Sunday (November 19).

Vincent and fellow celebrities – including actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry, TV presenter Dr Ranj Singh, chef Ken Hom, EastEnders star Rudolph Walker, darts champion Bobby George and Countryfile's Adam Henson – feature in an awareness-raising film.

Causeway says an estimated 50 million people globally are currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation, with over 100,000 of those in the UK.

It adds that the number of male modern slavery victims within the UK has been increasing year on year.

Three quarters of modern slavery victims now are men – most of them being subjected to criminal or labour exploitation, or organ harvesting.

Amy Bond, the charity's chief operating officer, says: "Anybody can find themselves a victim of modern slavery, and people are often surprised when they learn men can be more at risk in many instances.

"There are unique challenges when it comes to protecting and supporting male modern slavery victims.

"We are so grateful to have the support of these 19 wonderful men, who are using their influence and platforms to bring awareness to the truly shocking statistics."

Causeway supports marginalised and vulnerable people, including survivors of modern slavery and those caught in cycles of exploitation and crime, helping them to recover from trauma and protecting them from further harm.

Vincent says: "Causeway is such an important charity, supporting those that have been through some of the most appalling situations. However, like all charities, they need our support.

"I am honoured to have joined up with them for their Hidden Men of Modern Slavery campaign, to raise awareness of how trafficking and exploitation can affect anyone, anywhere."

Vincent has a long list of TV and movie credits.

He starred as Happy Valley's Detective Superintendent Andy Shepherd, and as Christopher Rawson in Gentleman Jack, as well as appearing in programmes including The Office, Doc Martin, Midsomer Murders and Cucumber.

And The Bourne Identity is amongst his big-screen credits.

To watch the campaign film, go to wearecauseway.org.uk/news-campaigns/causeway-campaigns/hidden-men-of-modern-slavery