Unanima, a Mansfield-based organisation that gives learning disabled and autistic people a chance to shine through artistic and audience development initiatives, has linked up with award-winning comedian Francesca Martinez.

The trailblazing entertainer, whose illustrious career began on television in Grange Hill and then Holby City and Extras, is the arts group’s new ambassador.

Her groundbreaking achievements include being the first female comic to win the prestigious Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award at the Edinburgh Festival.

Francesca, who has cerebral palsy but prefers to describe herself as wobbly, is an inspiring advocate for inclusivity and diversity.

Unanima aims to create inclusive spaces in the arts and is an Arts Council England, National Portfolio Organisation.

“I am so proud to be an ambassador for Unanima,” she said. “Its passion to create inclusive spaces and encourage artists from diverse backgrounds is infectious, and I deeply believe in the vision to make art accessible to everyone.

Unanima has become a beacon of inclusion in the local area and its July festival, OneFest, is set to become the leading destination to see disabled-led and diverse work paving the way for new talent and underrepresented perspectives.

Francesca added: “OneFest occupies a unique position in the British cultural scene and has the potential to become a national leader in showcasing diverse voices.

“I am excited to support such an important creative initiative.