SOME OF Oxfordshire's brightest acting talent are among 190 actresses to sign a letter supporting the Time's Up movement in the UK.

It comes ahead of tonight's Bafta awards, during which attendees including former St Edward's pupil Florence Pugh, will wear black to show solidarity with the campaign against sexism and inequality.

The 22-year-old, who also attended Cokethorpe School and Wychwood School, is up for a Rising Star award.

In an open letter, addressed 'Dear Sisters', which is published in full in today's Observer, a UK legal fund for victims of sexual assault and harassment was also announced. 

Signees also include Oxford-trained The Crown star Claire Foy, Witney actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw, as well as Emilia Clarke, famous for her role as 'Queen of Dragons' Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones.

The 31-year-old actress spent much of her childhood in Oxford at Rye St Antony and then St Edward's School before heading to drama school.

The letter states: "We believe we need to use our power as communicators and connectors to shift the way society sees and treats us.

"We need to examine the kind of womanhood our industry promotes and sells to the world."

It continues: "In 2018, we seem to have woken up in a world ripe for change.

"If we truly embrace this moment, a line in the sand will turn to stone."

Tonight's awards will take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London.