A star of children’s television channel CBeebies helped host a festival of theatre that raised more than £6,500 for a children’s hospice.

Presenter Andy Day performed at the fundraiser in the artsdepot, North Finchley, to raise cash for the Noah’s Ark Hospice, caring for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.

Families bought tickets to two shows featuring drama group Tall Stories and Noah’s Ark Ambassador Andy, who performed with his childhood friend Mike James.

The pair put on a slapstick show of Andy and Mike's Big Box of Bananas, with extra money being raised through merchandise and sweets stalls.

All the cash raised will go to the charity, which has a shop in High Street, High Barnet, and its headquarters in Victors Way.

Event organiser Amy Martin said: “A huge thank you must go to all the actors and crew from both productions, who gave up their time for free. We are hugely grateful and, judging by the success
of the shows, the Festival of Theatre will be back in 2013.”