Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch has been announced as a patron of East Finchley’s Phoenix Cinema.

The actor, who appeared as Alan Turing in last year’s The Imitation Game, will attend special events, introduce screenings and take part in question and answer sessions at the cinema in High Road.

In a statement, Mr Cumberbatch said: “I’m very proud to be a patron of the Phoenix Cinema. It’s such a special place; not only for its remarkable history as Britain’s oldest operating purpose-built cinema, but for the fantastic sense of community that continues to thrive here.

“The programme of events and films on offer is curated by people who truly love and know cinema and is made possible by a charity that puts people before profit.

"I look forward hopefully to meeting some of you here at the Phoenix, but in the meantime please do keep coming, become a Friend of the Phoenix if you can and keep supporting independent cinema.”

Other patrons of the cinema include Ken Loach, Maureen Lipman and Victoria Wood.

Elizabeth Taylor-Mead, executive director of the Phoenix, said: “We are thrilled and grateful to have the wholehearted and generous support of such an esteemed and popular force in the film industry.

“This came about through the intervention of one our loyal Phoenix volunteers, a close friend of Mr Cumberbatch. Apparently, he did not hesitate to respond, and he’s genuinely a fan of the Phoenix.”