The Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue collected an eye-opening amount of donated clothing destined for eastern Europe as it staged its annual bagel brunch.

Members of the synagogue in Limes Avenue have been campaigning to raise awareness of the Founding Futures programme which helps poor people in the countries of the former Soviet Union.

The effort was supported this year by the ladies of the Chigwell and Hainault League of Jewish Women who have been knitting squares that are stitched into blankets and shipped overseas.

Synagogue board member Danny Rosenberg said: “When you see the dire poverty of many of those we help to support, it really makes you realise how lucky we all are.”