Offers of help are pouring in to Manchester welfare charity The Fed for the family highlighted in its Rosh Hashanah appeal.

The appeal letter illustrated health and financial problems of the family, whose names were changed to protect their identity.

In addition to appeal donations, supporters of The Fed have responded with offers of employment and even free photographic and video services for a family celebration.

"It's touched people's hearts and we've seen a very sympathetic response," reported The Fed's Joyce Khan.

The charity has set a £36,000 target for the appeal.

With over 90 staff and 400 volunteers, it provides a wide range of social care services to 10 per cent of Manchester Jewry. Sixty per cent of its annual budget has to be raised through donations.