DAME Lorna Muirhead has been appointed as patron of the charity Tomorrow's Women Wirral.

The former Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside will be an advocate for the Birkenhead-based organisation, which helps thousands of women each year.

The organisation aims to empower women to make positive lifestyle changes. There are currently over 4,800 women registered at the TWW centre.

During a recent afternoon tea Dame Lorna, a former midwife, met some of the women that have been supported by the organisation and gave a short speech.

She said: "I know the Queen well enough to know very, very, sincerely that she would be as inspired to hear what I have heard this morning. I've done this job for 11 years.

"I've never had a day in that time when I've been so inspired by what I've heard.

"So, for those of you who have turned your lives around, well done and keep going. To those of you who are making it happen, keep going!"

The charity runs weekly exercise classes, crafts sessions, guided meditations, mindfulness and drop-in sessions in partnership with solicitors, police, employment training amfd Education and money and debt clinics.

Women can also access counselling.

Discussing their new patron, the charity's chief executive Angela Murphy, said: "We really are thrilled to announce Dame Lorna's patronage at Tomorrow’s Women.

"We work with thousands of women across Merseyside here at TWW, often the most vulnerable in society.

"Dame Lorna’s support will allow us to reach even more women who need our services and support."