“What a lovely way to spend a Saturday evening” was the conclusion of a singer who helped raise �300 for a synagogue’s restoration work.

Harvey Manning, 74, of Chigwell, together with Rachael Silver from Barkingside entertained the crowd with show tunes which had the audience up and dancing.

The money will be put towards the Bet Tikvah Synagoge, Perrymans Farm Road, Newbury Park where the evening took place on Saturday.

Mr Manning said: “The atmosphere was very very good, everybody was clapping and singing along with the songs and lots of ladies were dancing. It was a wonderful warm atmosphere on a cold night.”