London, Jan 18 : The Duke of Cambridge has become the patron of a leading charity that helps former offenders get back on their feet and give up a life of crime.

He will be the figurehead for the St Giles Trust during 2012 - the organisation's 50th anniversary year.

Rob Owen, the Trust's chief executive, said his organisation was `honoured and delighted' with Prince William's involvement.

"By supporting us, he is leading by example in helping some of the most excluded, disadvantaged people in society who really need support,'' he said," the Telegraph quoted Owen as saying.

"Although our work has evolved over the years, we remain an organisation which works with people who have fallen through the gaps in the state's safety net.

"We are very much looking forward to working with the Duke of Cambridge over the coming year and hope his patronage will help highlight this important issue," he said.

The Duke's new 12-month patronage comes a few weeks after his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, announced she had become patron of four organisations and a volunteer with the Scout Association.

He is already patron or president of more than 20 charities and bodies including Centrepoint and SkillForce.

In March 2009, he visited St Giles Trust's head offices in Camberwell, south London and his patronage marks a continuing association between the Royal Family and the Trust.

The Queen Mother opened the original St Giles Trust day centre in 1963 and the Prince of Wales opened the charity's premises in Camberwell in 1995. (ANI)