Comic legend Mel Brooks has helped Leukaemia Research to raise £75,000 by being the guest in a one-off event at the Criterion Theatre in London’s West End.

Wednesday night’s Special Audience With Mel Brooks featured the 80-year-old comic in conversation with BBC boss Alan Yentob as well as inviting questions from the audience which included Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Troubled indie rocker Pete Doherty is said to be trying to arrange a date to discuss working with boozy jazz singer Amy Winehouse.

Doherty, who has been battling against drugs for a number of years and who has a maternal Jewish grandfather is reported as wanting to record a number of duets and Winehouse is high on his list of people the Babyshambles frontman wishes to collaborate with.

More than a decade after the BBC allowed Paul Kaye to spoof celebs with his alter ego Dennis Pennis, he’s back with a new character - foul mouth New Yorker Mike Strutter.

The man, who is said to have inspired Sacha Baron Cohen’s mock interviewing style, Kaye was responsible for such moments as asking Hollywood actor Steve Martin why he wasn’t funny any more, and asking singing siren Cher if anyone had ever told her she was beautiful and meant it.

A guidebook offering a comprehensive look at Jewish heritage across England has just been published by English Heritage.

Jewish Heritage in England is a full colour book showcasing over 300 Jewish buildings and landmarks and has been published to coincide with the 350th anniversary of the Jewish return back to England.

The book aims to highlight some of the regions national treasures that people may not be aware of.