The British Friends of the Hebrew University have enjoyed one of their best financial years, with income up 20 per cent to £6.9 million.

Operating costs have been halved over the past three years and now account for just six per cent of income.

BFHU chairman Howard Shore welcomed "enormously pleasing results, especially at a time of economic challenges and financial uncertainty".

The figures also reflected the "hard work and dedication of Nigel Salomon, our chief executive, and his team.

"They say a great deal about the impressive achievements of the Hebrew University, both academically and in terms of their world-renowned research."