A charity auction that raised money for the North London Hospice on a rare bright July day went down a storm.

Hendon Golf Club, in Devonshire Road, hosted the bash which was capped off with the arrival of veteran actress Maureen Lipman on Wednesday. The former Coronation Street actress presented a raffle and auction at the charity event.

Items at the auction ranged from golf equipment to the finest champagne, with all donations going to the North London Hospice. The charity cares for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families by supporting their needs both emotionally and practically.

Fundraising manager at the North London Hospice, Judy Guy, said about £20,000 pounds had been raised for the hospice. "Events like this are supported and run by the local community who put a great amount of effort in."

Speaking to the Times Series, actress Maureen Lipman, who has appeared at events for the North London Hospice for 25 years, said: “A good friend of mine was moved to the North London Hospice.

"In that last year of his life the staff supported him for long enough to see his son graduate - it is a place of life despite some people's assumptions.”