JNF UK has closed its education department and made nine staff redundant in further cost-cutting measures.
But the charity promised to strengthen its national presence with the opening of a new northern regional office in "the coming weeks".

JNF has shut offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds as part of its streamlining.

Acting chief executive David Goodman said it had "undoubtedly been a difficult time for all those involved. I am confident that with the changes that have been made, together with the appointment of our new northern regional manager, JNF will continue to go from strength to strength, undertaking its important work in Israel."

The charity will concentrate support on projects to develop the Negev in southern Israel. While no longer producing formal educational programmes, it will continue supporting the Israel work of individual teachers in the UK where possible.

Reuben Turner, head of the education department from 1973 to 1988, was "upset" to hear of its closure. "The department was there before the state of Israel came into being," he said.