Actor Benedict Cumberbatch, himself a big supporter of independent cinema, has been named the new patron of the Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley – London’s oldest cinema.

The Sherlock star urged people to “keep supporting independent cinema”, adding: “I’m very proud to be a patron of the Phoenix Cinema.

“It’s such a special place; not only for its remarkable history as Britain’s oldest operating purpose-built cinema, but for the fantastic sense of community that continues to thrive here.

“We are all so lucky to be part of the magic that is cinema, on both sides of the screen, and it’s so important that we all work to preserve and develop it for generations to come.”