He might be an internationally acclaimed comedian, but Ricky Gervais still has time to support charities closer to home.
The 52-year-old dropped in at a tea party in Hampstead to raise funds for an animal shelter on Sunday.
The event, hosted by 83-year-old animal lover Angela Humphery, of Willoughby Road, raised £1,000 for The Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Green.
Mr Gervais, who lives in Hampstead, handed over a cheque to charity chief executive Caroline Yates at the tea party held in Mrs Humphery’s back garden.
She said: “Ricky supports the charity. It made it exciting – people couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw him there.”
The Mayhew Animal Home cares mainly for dogs and cats but also takes in rabbits and guinea pigs.
“The charity has seen double the amount of animals come in because people can’t afford to keep them but they’re receiving half the amount of money they used to,” said Mrs Humphery.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here