Computer whiz Ben Nathan has a solution for synagogue security machers — and anyone else with the task of organising a team of volunteers. He has launched a website to help streamline the process. Runthezoo.com provides an automated way of co-ordinating time-based groups and activities.

Software specialist Mr Nathan, a member of Dunstan Road Synagogue in Golders Green, north London, came up with the initiative while trying to organise his weekly five-a-side football match and found that existing internet sites were not sophisticated enough. So he developed a system himself.

Mr Nathan, 52, tells People: “I have had a lot of fun putting RunTheZoo together and am delighted to be able to help people.”

Run The Zoo is now used for organising a variety of rotas from synagogue leyning and kiddushes, and security in Jewish schools. The original five-a-side football scheduling application is also spreading. future enhancements.

US-born, home is now in Golders Green.