Lord's dinner answers prayers of special school

Leaders of Hackney special needs school and integrated nursery Side by Side were bowled over by the £230,000 proceeds from a men's dinner at Lord's Cricket Ground in St John's Wood.

The evening included a tour of the ground, taking in the dressing rooms and the famous Long Room.

Guests also enjoyed cocktails created by professional mixologists and a selection of vintage whiskies from Scottish distilleries.

Charity chairman Jacob Sorotzkin said: "We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the unprecedented support and generosity that the Jewish community has shown for the wonderful children of Side by Side. This fantastic event has been a tribute to them." There are 45 children in the nursery and 35 in the school.