Dame Judi Dench, the Oscar-winning actress is lending her support to the work of kind-hearted students in her home city.

She took time out from a busy schedule to accept the role of patron to York Student Community Action.

Established in 1969 and part of York University Students' Union, it focuses on student development through volunteering, while at the same time helping sections of the local community.

The organisation is run solely by students who oversee projects such as a holiday camp for disadvantaged children referred by social services, a social club for pensioners from the surrounding area, an activity programme for children with learning, mental and physical disabilities, and drama workshops in local schools, prisons and community centres.

The students raise more than £20,000 a year towards the running of the projects and provide vital services in the local community.

Dame Judi commended the work which the students carry out and said: "I was very impressed by the charitable work that the students undertake."

York Student Community Action officer Mags Parker said: "I am so pleased that Dame Judi has agreed to be our patron.

"Students are often seen as a lazy, drunk, money-grabbing section of the population, and this support draws attention to the fact that there are huge numbers of students who don't fit this stereotype."

Dame Judi won an Oscar for her part in Shakespeare in Love.

She has starred in a host of film and TV productions and has found legions of new fans as M in the James Bond films.

She was made an Honorary Freeman of York in 2001, and in 1983 received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of York.