Synagogue silver raises £175,000

Some artefacts which went under the hammer date back to the 18th Century

A synagogue in Plymouth has sold some of its religious silver for £175,000 at auction in order to boost funds.

Membership numbers within the Jewish community are decreasing and the artefacts have been sold to ease cashflow problems.

The collection had been expected to fetch about £60,000.

The auction was criticised by Jewish groups, but the synagogue insisted it was the easiest way to cover increased running costs.

Twenty-three items went under the hammer at Bonhams in London.

They included a pair of silver prayer instruments - known as rimmonim - dating back to 1783, which were sold for £62,400.