Hundreds of pounds were raised for a youth theatre during a First World War-themed evening.

The Finchley Youth Theatre, in High Road, East Finchley, held the event last Saturday, which focused on the role of women during the war and raised more than £600.

Broadchurch actress Carolyn Pickles, along with Hilary Townley and Julia Swift, read poems, letters and monologues written by women between 1914 and 1918 while they waited for their husbands to come home.

Spectra Theatre Company also performed a piece called After Penelope.

Roger Chapman, chairman of the charity Friends of Finchley Youth Theatre, said: “It was a great night, there were some excellent performances. The World War One poetry was very moving. We had a full house, everyone really enjoyed it.”

The money will go towards new equipment and helping support members with acting courses.