Matrix Chambers' Rabinder Singh QC has been appointed as a High Court judge alongside three further appointments to the Queen's Bench Division (QBD).

Singh, who will take up his new position from October this year, will be the first Sikh judge to sit on the High Court Bench. He was one of the founding members of Matrix in 2000 and was called to the Bar in 1989 before taking silk in 2000.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The Government wants to create a society of aspiration, where people of ability feel free to aim to reach the highest offices of our country, regardless of their background, race or gender.

"The appointment of Mr Rabinder Singh QC, a talented and highly respected barrister, to the High Court, represents a real landmark in the drive to create a more diverse judiciary which continues to attract the highest quality candidates."

Singh's appointment follows the elevation of Mr Justice Kitchin to the Court of Appeal in July.

In addition, four further QCs have also been appointed to the High Court, with Brick Court Chambers' Andrew Popplewell QC, Quadrant Chambers' Charles Haddon-Cave QC and Judge Henry Brian Globe QC all set to join the QBD later this year.

Meanwhile, 4 Stone Buildings' Robert Hildyard QC will join the Chancery division in October.