It was an inspirational women’s night in Willesden Green as balloons were launched into the sky raising money for charity.

The Social, a tapas bar and restaurant in Walm Lane, celebrated International Women’s Day by encouraging customers to buy a balloon and write on them the name of a woman who had inspired them.

More than £100 was raised in aid of the Women and Girl’s Network which offers counselling, support and advice for women who have been affected by gendered violence, including sexual and domestic violence.

Around 60 balloons were collected and among the names written on them were Jaybaben Desai, leader of the Grunwick factory strike in Willesden during the 1970s, Bernadette Devlin, Irish republican campaigner and the youngest woman ever elected to Parliament, sportswomen Jessica Ennis and Katie Taylor, as well as many mothers and grandmothers.

The Social, owned and run by sisters Annie and Marie Walshe who have lived in Willesden Green for 35 years, opened in December.

Annie Walshe said: “We had an amazing day and are very happy to support the Women & Girls’ Network Charity.

“A big thank you to everyone for coming. We are proud to be part of Willesden Green’s vibrant community and we’re looking forward to arranging more special events in the future.”