A charity which supports local families and has tough fundraising targets to meet has found a new patron in the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, The Countess of Verulam.

She has agreed to become one of the patrons of Home-Start which provides practical and emotional support to families with young children across the St Albans district.

Scheme manager Sally Patterson said: “We’re thrilled that Lady Verulam will mark the start of her patronage with Home-Start by being the guest of honour at our next fundraising event – a concert featuring the Hertfordshire Chamber Orchestra at St Saviour’s Church in Sandpit Lane on April 12.”

Lady Verulam commented: “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.”

For more information about Home-Start St Albans and to book tickets for the Herts Chamber Orchestra concert go to www.homestartstalbans.org.uk