The London Film School (LFS) has welcomed a new group of patrons who support the School's capital appeal.

The $14m (£7m) two-year appeal will raise funds to establish a new, larger LFS in London's West End. The new space will have teaching and film-making facilities with public cinemas, a bar and meeting spaces.

LFS is one of Skillset's Screen Academies.

The patrons are: Chris Auty, Tony Elliott, Roger Graef, Christopher Hird, John Hurt, Hanif Kureishi, Charlie Parsons, Franc Roddam, Anthony Smith, Iain Smith, Tilda Swinton, Jeremy Thomas and Alan Yentob.

The School plans to begin building work on the new site in 2008, with completion in 2010, depending on fundraising.

Mike Leigh, an alumnus and the School's Chairman, said: 'The London Film School is going to create a permanent centre which will bring together film students, graduates, industry professionals and others who are generally passionate about film culture from all over the world. To have the backing of Patrons of such high stature for this campaign is vital to achieving our ambitions.'

Ben Gibson, LFS director, added: 'The London Film School is a renowned international institution which has trained an extraordinary range of filmmakers, 70% from abroad. In tune with the school's spirit of innovation, we are seeking not only to build a better home but also to re-invent what film school can be It's a film school taking responsibility for trying to put life into the film culture.'

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