One of Manchester's most successful Israel support groups has said close bonds between members is the key behind its strength.

North Cheshire Wizo has raised an estimated £300,000 in its 50-year history, despite beginning as a crowd of young mothers in 1960 in the home of the current co-chairman, Ruth Fink who shares the role with Rae Ingelby.

"We were all pregnant at the time, there were a lot of young children while we made coffee mornings to raise money," said Mrs Fink.

Last year the group pushed to raise £30,000 for Wizo projects in Israel, while two members have received MBEs for communal work and it counts Lady Steinberg, one of Wizo. UK's life benefactors, as a member. Celebrating its anniversary last week, it boasts 300 members and 15 of 17 past chairmen are still strongly involved.

"The main feature of the fiftieth was that nearly all of the past chairman were there, which was quite remarkable," said Mrs Fink

Member Joy Wolfe, also Manchester Wizo's life president and one of the MBEs, says the group's focus remains despite the celebrations."Wizo needs our support more than ever. We cannot forget that one in around three Israeli children are living below the poverty line."