Beyoncé Performs At Chime For Change Concert

Beyoncé and rapper husband Jay-Z have performed together at a gig in London to raise awareness of a new campaign supporting girls and women across the globe.

Jennifer Lopez, Ellie Goulding, and Rita Ora were also among a host of stars at Twickenham singing in aid of Chime For Change, which promotes education, health and justice for women.

Crazy In Love singer Beyonce Knowles - who is mum to one-year-old Blue Ivy Carter - said: "Women's rights have always been close to my heart.

"Being a mother, it's really important that I do what I can and use my voice. There are many women around the world that don't have one.

"We have to use our voices and raise awareness and be part of something where we can leave our legacy and help improve this world."

Chime for Change was founded by Beyoncé, actress Salma Hayek, and Gucci's creative director Frida Giannini.

Its website will host information about 120 not-for-profit organisations that promote gender equality, which people can then choose to fund directly.

The concert was broadcast in 150 countries to an estimated audience of one billion people.

Pop queen Madonna was not among the performers at Twickenham, but she appeared in a short film about women.

She told the crowd: "What happens when we educate girls? We empower them. They have jobs, they have opportunities, they know their rights, they have the ability to defend themselves, support their families and be an integral, productive part of the human race."

The concert took place 100 years to the day since Emily Davison became a martyr for women's rights, when she threw herself in front of a horse at the Epsom Derby.