Baby Spice Emma Bunton put aside uncertainty over the future of the Spice Girls for the official re-opening of Barnet Odeon on Sunday.

A gala screening of The Grinch tipped to become the hit Christmas movie for its star Jim Carrey raised more than £2,000 for the NSPCC's Full Stop anti-child cruelty campaign.

The Spice Girl, who until recently lived in South Mimms, met fans and signed autographs before enjoying the film with mum Pauline and family.

She told movie-goers she had used the Great North Road cinema, which has undergone extensive refurbishment, since she was a youngster.

She also gave her support to the NSPCC's campaign.

Odeon duty manager Jackie Toomey, whose was brainchild of the gala performance , said: "We had an absolute full house. Emma was lovely as usual. For someone who is so famous she is very easy-going and the kids loved her. It was a fantastic way to mark our refurbishment."

NSPCC schools organiser June Broom, who helped out, said: "This has been a great event and the children and their families have thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"We are very grateful to everyone who came along, especially Emma Bunton who made things even more special."