New North London Synagogue has introduced a phone-in service where members can key in a pin number to be hooked up to prayers.

"It started off with the feeling that so many people are ill or carers," explained Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, who created the service. "We wanted to do more for them and give them spiritual support."

The service is at 10.30pm every Wednesday, lasts about 10 minutes and includes short prayers, sung and spoken, and a prayer for the sick.

"It's been very moving," Rabbi Wittenberg said.