Today, Barnardo's, the UK's largest children's charity, announces that Cherie Booth QC has become its new President.

On taking up the appointment, Ms Booth pledged to be "an active, involved President" and to help raise the profile of the charity's work with more than 50,000 disadvantaged children, young people and their families throughout the United Kingdom.

During a visit to High Close School, Wokingham, Berkshire, today, Ms Booth said: "I was delighted to be approached by Barnardo's Council to take on the role as President. For many years I have been aware of the number of children, young people and families in difficulties who turn to Barnardo's - and the charity's staff have always been there to offer them a helping hand.

"Of course, we all recognise that no child should grow up in poverty or in fear of abuse. No young person should feel alienated from our society. No parent should have to raise their children in an atmosphere of constant despair. That is why I recognise and welcome the crucial role which Barnardo's plays.

"One of the most impressive aspects of Barnardo's work, which I have discovered already, is the attitude and professionalism of the staff when dealing with extremely vulnerable people, often in desperate situations. "

Barnardo's Chief Executive Roger Singleton said: "We are delighted to welcome Cherie Booth as our new President. She has already demonstrated her deep concern for the needs of troubled and vulnerable children and a commitment to positive action to ensure them a better future. That is what Barnardo's is all about.

"We have more than 300 projects throughout the UK working with more than 50,000 children and their families and confronting some of today's most important issues, including poverty, abuse, exclusion and under-achievement.

"We are confident that Cherie's Booth's appointment will provide a great boost to our work and we look forward to a long and productive partnership with our new President in the battle to give disadvantaged children a future."

The charity has not had a President since 1996, when HRH the Princess of Wales stood down. Ms Booth's appointment was announced during her visit to High Close School, run by Barnardo's for children excluded from mainstream education because of their emotional and behavioural problems. It also coincides with the launch of two new reports by Barnardo's on educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.

The reports point out that:
. children in care are ten times more likely to be excluded from school
. 70% of looked-after children leave school with no formal qualifications compared to 6% of other children
. only 4% of looked-after children gain five GCSEs
. between 10% and 20% of school age children experience social, emotional and behavioural difficulties which impair their social and educational development

Cherie Booth told an audience of children and Barnardo's supporters: "I am particularly pleased to mark my appointment as President of Barnardo's with this visit to High Close.