A Herts-based best-selling author has been unveiled as patron of a charity, newly reincarnated after fallen foul of county council funding cuts last year.

Thriller and historical novel writer Ken Follett becomes patron of Home-Start Hertfordshire as it starts its new chapter.

Charity chief executive Lara Norris said: “We are delighted that Ken, who has always been a big supporter of Home-Start, has agreed to be part of this exciting visionary project.”

Home-Start recruits and trains volunteers to provide three hours of support for families in the community.

Ken’s high profile, selling more than 150 million books wordwide, is a big boost to the charity which had to close its separate schemes including one in St Albans.

Having risen from the ashes, charity staff are still working on ways to fill the funding gap.

Lara added:: “Far from seeing these cuts as a setback, the new charity gives us all the opportunity to have a voice for families.”