British supporters of Israeli educational charity Shuvu played a key role in an international fundraising challenge against the clock, contributing $250,000 to a $1.7 million total.

Donations made during the 24-hour drive, organised by New York-based body, Charidy, were quadrupled with matching funding from major donors. The catch was that if the original $1.6 million target was not reached, all donations would be returned.

For the UK, the Pillar Hotel in Hendon was the operations centre and there was delight and relief among the fundraisers when the $1.6 million mark was reached on 23 hours.

Shuvu runs kindergartens and schools for children from families which have emigrated from Russia and elsewhere. Many pupils are from hugely impoverished backgrounds.

The charity challenge was organised to cover budget cuts and facilitate expansion.

More than 1,000 students are expected to join the Shuvu network for the new school year.