James Bond actress Dame Dame Judi Dench has been named patron of the National Council for Palliative Care, the leading charity for Dying Matters.

Claire Henry, Chief Executive of the NCPC, said 'We are absolutely thrilled that Dame Judi Dench has agreed to be our patron. Having such a talented and popular person on board is a real honour for us, as we look to take forward exciting and ambitious plans for the future to help transform end of life care and change the nation's approach to dying', while Dench commented 'People who are dying should be able to count on excellent end of life care and support, which is why I am delighted to have become a Patron of the National Council for Palliative Care'.