A charity dedicated to supporting families in St Albans is delighted to announce the appointment of a new patron- the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire

The Countess of Verulam, Lady Dione Verulam, has taken up the new role in Home Start St Albans City & District, which provides practical and emotional support to families with young children across the district.

Lady Verulam said: "I have, for a long time, admired the work of Home-Start and was very pleased to be invited to be a patron of this excellent organisation that gives valuable help to families who really are in difficulty."

Lady Verulam will mark the start of her patronage with Home Start by being the guest of honour at a fundraising concert on April 12 in St Saviours Church, Sandpit Lane, which features the Hertfordshire Chamber Orchestra.

The charity's other patron is city GP Dr Julian Godlee.