World Jewish Relief supporters from Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue slept outside for a night to raise awareness of - and funds for - the charity's Operation Winter Survival campaign in Eastern Europe.

The 12-hour sleep-out was the brainchild of the shul's Rabbi Aaron Goldstein to highlight the plight of impoverished Jews in dilapidated homes with sparse heating. WJR has this year raised more than £50,000 for the campaign and large amounts of essential items have been distributed to people in the region.

"It felt incredibly cold in our tent," Rabbi Goldstein said. "It was only three degrees. But that's so much warmer than the temperatures in Eastern Europe right now. WJR's work saves lives and I'm glad I had the opportunity with our community to contribute."

Another participant, David Emanuel, said that spending "an evening outside in freezing conditions helps focus the mind a little more" on the cause.