A British space scientist was the guest speaker at an annual lunch which raised more than £4,000 for a children’s charity.

Professor Monica Grady attended the event organised by the NSPCC’s Finchley, Friern Barnet and Whetstone district committee at South Herts Golf Club in Totteridge on Sunday, November 20.

During her visit Professor Grady highlighted the need for children and young people to study science, maths, technology and engineering to help change the world.

Currently professor of planetary and space science at the Open University, Professor Grady has also worked at the University of Cambridge and the Natural History Museum.

Asteroid 4731 was also named after her following its discovery in March 1981.

Now in its twelfth year, past guest speakers at the fundraiser include the Queen Mother’s official biographer William Shawcross, Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen and crime author Hilary Bonner.

More than 100 people attended this year’s event which included a three course meal and a raffle.

Barnet branch chair Joy Mather spoke about the 4 million children the NSPCC’s Childline service has helped since it was launched 30 years ago, and emphasised the importance of it being there for every child in the future.

Joint chairs of the NSPCC’s Finchley, Friern Barnet and Whetstone district committee Derek and Tessa Phillips said: “We were delighted to welcome back Professor Grady as our guest speaker.

“She was wonderfully entertaining while giving a great deal of information and stressing the importance of children as our future.”

The District Committee’s next fundraising event is a quiz night at St Mary’s Hall, Hendon Lane, Finchley, on Saturday 4 February at 7pm.