World Jewish Relief has raised more than £500,000 in less than two months to help the millions affected by the Nepalese earthquake.

The most devastating natural disaster to hit the South Asian nation in more than 80 years killed nearly 9,000 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless.

Since it was launched in late April, the campaign has raised £516,000, with 4,767 individuals donating so far.

The largest donor was the Pears Foundation, which donated £50,000.

The money has allowed WJR, acting through Nepalese and Israeli non-governmental organisations, to shelter 4,500 people and provide food to more than 1,000.

Paul Anticoni, the chief executive, thanked supporters for their "extraordinary kindness" and pledged that his organisation would not quit until the job was done.

Mr Anticoni said: "The generosity of our community is a source of great pride and inspiration. Thanks to our community, we have helped thousands to survive the devastating first weeks after the earthquake and will be there to rebuild Nepal, well into the future."

WJR is now in the second phase of its project, helping people move to a permanent shelter so they do not fall foul of the monsoon season, which killed more than 100 in August last year.

In the third and final phase, where a significant proportion of the money raised will be spent, the charity will help lift victims out of poverty by working to get them into employment.