The Jewish Vegetarian Society (JVS) has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise GPB25,000 to create a community centre.

The charity is urging the public to help fund its plan to create an "amazing new space in the heart of Jewish London".

As a token of appreciation, donors will receive anything from a massage to a three-course vegan meal - depending on how much they contribute.

Every pound raised will be matched by an anonymous Jewish vegetarian philanthropist, while the charity will invest a further £25,000 from its funds.

A multi-purpose community centre "for ethical and innovative events" is planned for the organisation's existing building on Finchley Road in Golders Green, north-west London

The money raised will help create an extended main hall and open-plan kitchen for catering events and cookery demonstrations. The garden will be re-landscaped and pop-up restaurants will offer a variety of green delicacies, as well as festival feasts.

Almost GPB4,000 has been raised in the first week of the campaign and the charity, which was founded in 1966 and has 500 members, is hopeful it will hit the target by mid-July, when the work is expected to begin.

"Jewish values and vegetarianism go hand in hand," said Lara Smallman, JVS director.

"We have seen a big increase in membership and engagement over the last three years as we have increased events from a few each year to up to 40 per year.

She added: "Vegetarianism and veganism are on the rise across the UK. We believe that the Jewish community is no exception."