Builders have started work on roof renovations at Reading Hebrew Congregation, courtesy of a significant grant from a government-funded organisation.

The Orthodox community was awarded £94,800 by the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund, supporting urgent works.

Services and other communal events — including a Shavuot lunch — will continue as normal while improvements are made to the century-old roof  over the next 18 weeks.

A shortfall of several thousand pounds on the cost is expected to be borne by the synagogue.

Sarah Firsht, the congregation’s president, said: “It’s an exciting time for the community to have this key development work.

“This grant is a lifeline for us, allowing our lovely synagogue — the only purpose-built Orthodox synagogue in Berkshire — to serve the generations still to come as beautifully as it has served those of the past.”

It has been the centre of Jewish life in the Berkshire town for more than 130 years.