Thespian Simon Callow took centre stage at a Hampstead retirement home to open its summer fete.

The 63-year-old opened the annual fundraiser at Spring Grove Residential Care Home in Finchley Road on Sunday, where his elderly mother Yvonne lives.

More than 50 people flocked to the fete and enjoyed performances from a magician and palm readings from a fortune teller, as the care home raised �740 for the Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead.

Vivien Frey, activity organiser at Spring Grove, said: “It went really well, with Simon Callow opening it for us and doing a few tricks with Nathan the magician.”

Visitors also enjoyed home-made cakes, cream teas and browsed the bric-a-brac stall.