An Oxford University academic has won £16,000 for her biography of Jewish philanthropist Sir Moses Montefiore.

Abigail Green's book on the "Jewish Liberator, Imperial Hero" was named as the runner-up in the annual Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature.

The prize, which recognises "the important role of emerging writers in examining the Jewish experience" is given in the US and British writers are rarely nominated.

Dr Green's mother Charlotte was born a Sebag-Montefiore, descended from Joseph, Sir Moses's nephew and heir.

First place, worth £63,000, went to Gal Beckerman for his book "When They Come for Us We'll Be Gone: The Epic Struggle to Save Soviet Jewry".

Both authors will be awarded their prizes at a ceremony in Israel in April.