Reese Witherspoon is to be honorary chairman of the Avon Foundation, a charity which supports women and their families.

Ms Witherspoon, 31, said she was “truly impressed” by the charity’s commitment to “providing economic and personal fulfilment” to women around the world.

Avon ladies have been selling products door-to-door since 1886.

‘Drive and spirit’

The firm has more than five million sales representatives in 100 countries, with an estimated eight million customers in the UK alone.

But growth has been harder to come by in recent years in a fiercely competitive market and the company has sought to reinvent itself.

In her new role, Ms Witherspoon will focus on initiatives on breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency relief for the Foundation – set up in 1955.

The arrangement, financial details of which have not been disclosed, will also see the actress become involved in product development and advertising for the brand.

“Reese is a perfect fit,” Avon chief executive Andrea Jung said of the star’s association with the brand.

“She clearly embodies the drive, commitment and entrepreneurial spirit that is at the heart of the Avon representative.”

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