Located just behind the Oxford Street shops, the Western Marble Arch Synagogue has come up with some special offers of its own for potential young congregants.

Temporary seats for the High Holy-Days, normally priced at £160 for men and £110 for women, are being offered free of charge to anyone in full-time education. The offer applies to those of school age wanting a guaranteed seat next to a parent, or to higher education students.

Western Marble Arch shul has also decided to offer a five per cent discount on temporary seats for adults. "That is not much on its own," acknowledged a spokesperson. "But what makes it a better deal is that if the temporary seatholder takes up shul membership at any time between September and March next year, their first year's subscription will be reduced by the full price of the temporary seat." Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks preaches at the shul over the festivals.

Last year, Western Marble Arch sold around 150 High Holy-Day seats, the majority of them to visitors from out of town or overseas. The congregation hopes that its latest offer will tempt unaffiliated Londoners.