DAME Judi Dench has become a patron of a sight and hearing loss charity based in Huntington.

The Wilberforce Trust has been helping people who have lost their sight for more than 150 years and in the past two years the organisation has expanded to support people with hearing loss as well.

Dame Judi has spoken about her interest in the issues facing people who live with sight loss and age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

Philippa Crowther, chief executive of the trust, said: “What a privilege for the Wilberforce Trust to be able to announce Dame Judi Dench as our patron. Her support for all our work will be extremely valued by services users, staff, volunteers and trustees. Our grateful thanks to her for keeping us inspired to achieve.”

The charity has recently been given planning permission for a new development on Tadcaster Road, featuring housing and a Living and Learning Zone.

It will also have 30 accessible apartments lifts, a communal lounge, laundry area, guest facilities and a communal sensory garden. For more information visit wilberforcetrust.org.uk.