The UK arm of Israeli soup kitchens charity Hazon Yeshaya has appointed Spencer Gelding and Yael Simon as co-directors to professionalise its operations. The new team was introduced to supporters at a garden party hosted by Joy and Malcolm Lyons.

A former student chaplain who has lived in New, York, Leeds, Bristol and London, Mrs Simon was formerly Laniado UK chief executive. Mr Hartnell worked with her at Laniado UK as business director, having previously held an executive role with a jewellery company. He was also joint-chair of Young Jewish Care from 2001-2004.

Hazon Yeshaya was the brainchild of successful businessman Abraham Israel, who retired at 45 to build up a network of humanitarian aid services for the poor.

The charity now feeds 14,000 people of all ages on a daily basis and its four centres also offer free dental clinics and vocational training.

UK co-chair Geoff Hartnell, said the group had hitherto been run by "passionate volunteers. With the appointments, we have chosen to make an investment in the future of the charity."