A concert by Barnet schoolchildren has helped drum up more support for the Mayor of Barnet's chosen charity.

The Barnet Schools Wind Orchestra and the Barnet Schools Youth Orchestra played a concert at the Police Training Centre, in Aerodrome Road, on Saturday to raise money for the North London Hospice.

In one of the last events of Mayor Maureen Braun's charity programme, 90 young people featured in the evening's performances.

The Mayor said: "It was a fitting way to finish my year of office, although we still have a few more money-raising events before May 13, when my year ends.

"I shall be visiting the hospice again over the coming months to see how the money is being spent."

The event included works by Berlioz, Strauss, Tchaikovsky and Gershwin and raised £1,750 for the hospice.

Councillor Kate Salinger, who organised the concert, said the final piece, Walton's Crown Imperial, had the audience rising to their feet in appreciation.

"To have raised that much money for the North London Hospice was a brilliant result, and Barnet's Schools Music Service, the young musicians and their parents must be congratulated," she added.

Pauline Treen, the hospices fundraising director, said: "It has been great for awareness and we hope we are going to receive a donation towards our refurbishment project."