ARCHBISHOP of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has agreed to become the Patron of the Meningitis Trust.

Dr Williams has first hand experience of some of the effects of the disease, having survived meningitis as a child.

He has expressed admiration for the support work carried out by the Trust with thousands of people affected by meningitis across the UK and their families.

Dr Williams said: "I am delighted to accept the position. I look forward to working with the Trust and in particular to supporting their campaign to raise awareness of the after-effects of the disease."

The Trust's chief executive, Philip Kirby, said: "We look forward to working with the Archbishop on the Support for Life campaign which focuses on the struggles people face when living with the after-effects of meningitis".