Auschwitz survivor Freddie Knoller received a standing ovation from guests at Jewish Care's young patrons dinner as he explained how the Holocaust Survivors Centre had changed his life.

"For 35 years, I never spoke a word about what had happened to me in the Holocaust," Mr Knoller, 93, recalled. "My children asked what they were supposed to say to my grandchildren. So I began to tell them.

"Once I began to speak about my memories, I wanted to be with other survivors and the only place where I felt completely safe was the Holocaust Survivors Centre.

"As we grow older, the services offered by the HSC are invaluable to us and that is why I am here tonight to ask for your support." The dinner, held at the Marriott in Grosvenor Square, raised £150,000 for the Hendon-based centre.

Jewish Care chair, Steven Lewis, announced the launch of a project for potential young leaders.

He told diners: "It's for talented young people like you who might be considering a lay leadership role with us, either now or sometime in the future."

Big-selling string quartet Bond closed proceedings with a lively performance of classical tunes with a modern twist.