JURASSIC PARK star Sam Neill OBE has been announced as a patron of a historic ship which is undergoing restoration in Glasgow.

The Hollywood legend, 74, has become the Commonwealth Patron for the Clyde-built TS Queen Mary.

Friends of TS Queen Mary, who are restoring the ship and returning her to a permanent berth on the River Clyde, shared the news on their Facebook page.

Sam - who has a passion for ships and was born and raised in the major shipbuilding hub of Northern Ireland - will 'fly the flag' in overseas territories. 

A spokesperson for Sam said: "Sam is very happy to accept the offer to become the Charity's Commonwealth Patron.

"He loves ships and knows that the Queen Mary has a particularly rich history.

"He hopes the stars will align so that he can visit her, especially for her rededication cruise when all of the work is finished".

Sam will be joining the TS Queen Mary's Royal Patron Princess Anne and fellow patron Robbie Coltrane OBE.

Robbie said: "Sam and I have been friends for years, so I am truly delighted that he is supporting my beloved Queen Mary in this way.

"It just goes to show the global appeal that this beautiful Clydebuilt ship has".

Iain Sim, Chairman of Friends of TS Queen Mary, added: "Following The Princess Royal's announcement that TS Queen Mary is to sail again, we are thrilled that Sam Neill has agreed to be our Commonwealth Patron.

"Sam is undoubtedly a Hollywood legend, and to have his backing gives a massive boost to the project".

For more information on Friends of TS Queen Mary, visit their Facebook page.