Jews and Muslims came together to do their bit for the homeless in Barnet during a charity collection.

Members of Hendon Reform Synagogue and Hendon Mosque celebrated Jewish Mitzvah Day – a day of good deeds - earlier than usual to coincide with the Islamic Sadaaqa Day – a day of charity – last Sunday.

Volunteers from both faiths gathered outside Morrisons supermarket in Queensbury and collected food, toiletries and cash for Homeless Action in Barnet.

Nayim Kadri, executive trustee and committee member at Hendon Mosque, said: “Hendon Mosque and Hendon Reform Synagogue have demonstrated again that interfaith activities like Mitzvah Day and Sadaaqa day are vital for strengthening mutual respect, understanding and co-operation, between different faith communities.”

By the end of the day, 30 large cartons of provisions had been collected, as well as £300 in cash, all of which will go to the charity.

One generous shopper contributed £100 to the collection, while many commented to organisers how good it was to see the two faiths working together.

Valerie Boyd-Hellner, Mitzvah Day representative and education consultant at Hendon Reform Synagogue, said: "Hendon Reform Synagogue and Hendon Mosque do a lot of charity work but Mitzvah Day & Sadaaqa Day give us the impetus to work together for those in need and to demonstrate harmony between the two faith communities.

“It was a good day, lots of fun, the shoppers were generous and even the weather was kind. The volunteers enjoyed participating and we look forward to other faith communities joining us next year.”