THE Countess of Wessex has agreed to be the new patron of the Brendoncare care homes charity, which has one of its residential homes at Froxfield.

This week Brendoncare said it was proud to announce that Prince Edward's wife Sophie had agreed to become its patron.

It's a role that was formerly held by the Queen Mother and staff and residents from Brendoncare, including some from its Froxfield home, took part in the pageant that marked her 100th birthday.

In one of Sophie's final engagements before the birth of her daughter Louise on November 8, she made her first official appearance as the new patron when she opened a new wing for the mentally frail at a Brendoncare home in Tooting in London.

Brendoncare's chief executive, Ron Staker, said: "Her Royal Highness's patronage reinforces the bond between the younger and older generations and we are proud that she has agreed to support our vital work caring for frail older people."

His words were echoed by the care group's chairman, Jeremy Delmar-Morgan, who said her support will be of great value to the charity.