A GROUP of young mothers has set up a Finchley branch of the Women’s Institute.

The aim of the group is to enhance the lives of women in the area by giving them the chance to get involved in interesting events and activities.

Although the founders all have young children, the group is open to all women in the area.

The meetings, which began on May 13, will be held at St Mary’s Church Hall, in Hendon Lane.

Fun events held at the early sessions will include a presentation from "cookie dough queen" Winona Holl and a wine tasting session.

Finchley group secretary Kate Scheer said: "We were looking for a challenge and something that would offer an outside interest.

"It was felt that the WI presented an opportunity to network, while enjoying an informative experience."

The WI was founded in 1915 with two objectives: to encourage women to become more involved in the war effort by producing food and to revitalise rural communities.

In more recent times, the WI has broadened its focus, becoming an organisation that provides women with educational opportunities, the chance to build new skills and to take part in a variety of activities.

There are currently 205,000 members of the WI, making it the largest organisation for women in the UK.