Cambridge professors and students were among the 140 guests at a dinner at the historic Great Hall at St John's College in aid of the Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue building project.

Organiser, Professor Fiona Karet Frankl, was delighted by the support for Saturday's event, "which has raised well over £30,000 towards our goal. But we still have a long way to go."

Beth Shalom has engaged in a major fundraising drive to finance the building of a permanent synagogue and community centre for residents and students.

The congregation currently uses rented premises, including a school gym.

Although £900,000 has been pledged, this is only half-way to the target. Land was purchased last year in the heart of Cambridge.