The former president of the UK’s Supreme Court has agreed to become the first patron of Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum.

The Shire Hall Trust said they are delighted with the news that Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury will become the first patron of the new Dorchester museum, which will open to the public this spring.

As president of the UK’s Supreme Court from 2012 until September 2017, Lord Neuberger was Britain’s most senior judge. He has had a distinguished legal career, having first been called to the Bar in 1974. He was made a Queen’s Counsel in 1987, was appointed a High Court Judge in 1996 and in 2004 was appointed a Lord Justice of Appeal.

Lord Neuberger said: “I am honoured and pleased to have been invited to be patron of Dorchester’s Shire Hall Trust and am happy to help, support and promote the Trust and its aims.

“Shire Hall is a remarkable building, historically and aesthetically, and it is being sympathetically and attractively restored and adapted.”

He added: “The work that is being carried out to it will result in a historically significant and interesting monument, and the proposals to use and promote it are exciting.

“I was particularly taken by the courtroom, and I do not think that that is solely because of my 45 years as a barrister and judge.”

David Clarke, chairman of trustees for Shire Hall, said the Trust was looking forward to working with Lord Neuberger in the future.

“We are deeply gratified that Lord Neuberger has accepted our invitation to become the patron of the new museum at Shire Hall," he said.

“His enthusiasm for the courthouse was evident when he saw it, and we are delighted that he shares an interest in our goals and vision.”

Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum opens on Tuesday. May 1 and aims to be a thoroughly modern museum experience that will featuring interactive technology and allow visitors to follow the journey of those awaiting trial. There will also be a new café and gift shop.

Theatre fans have the chance to see a play at Shire Hall before it officially opens to the public.

The Gramophones Theatre Company will be performing The Memory Museum at Shire Hall from Wednesday, April 25 to Saturday, April 28. To book tickets visit Dorchester Arts or call the box office on 01305 266 926.