A charity set up in memory of Amy Winehouse has received a gift from a Hampstead business group.

Mitch Winehouse, the late singer’s father, accepted a £3,500 cheque for The Amy Winehouse Foundation and said the money would buy thousands of meals for deprived children.

The cash was raised at the Hampstead Christmas Festival, which is staged every year by the Hampstead NW3 Business Association.

Festival organiser Alexandra Lavery and Cllr Jonathan Simpson, Mayor of Camden, joined Mr Winehouse at the cheque presentation at Cote, Hampstead High Street, Hampstead, last Thursday.

Mrs Lavery said: “It’s an extremely good cause and the foundation deserves to do well because it has very good intentions.”

The charity supports disadvantaged young people and works to prevent the effects of drug and alcohol misuse.