The most senior female judge in British history has thrown her weight behind a community law centre which offers free support to some of the borough's most vulnerable residents.

Baroness Hale of Richmond, Justice of the Supreme Court, was appointed as patron of Hammersmith and Fulham Law Centre following the death of a previous high-profile supporter, Lord Bingham, in September.

Staff at the 31-year-old centre launched an urgent fundraising campaign last year after an annual £104,000 grant was dropped by Hammersmith and Fulham Council, which decided to switch funding to other community groups amid budget cuts from central government.

Following a distinguished career as a barrister, academic and judge, Baroness Hale became the first and only woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court, the UK's highest court of appeal, when it was created two years ago.

She visited the centre in King Street, Hammersmith, on Friday to meet the team, who specialise in employment, immigration and asylum, housing and community care.

Barrister Richard Roberts said: "All at the law centre are extremely proud and grateful that Baroness Hale has agreed to be our patron. Her support is a great boost to morale in these difficult times and her visit was a wonderful occasion for us all."

For more information on the law centre or to make a donation, click here .