Philanthropist wins cash prize

THE WORLD'S largest annual cash award outside the sporting arena, the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, has been won by Sir Sigmund Sternberg, a philanthropist and businessman.

Sir Sigmund (right), who made his fortune through metal trading and real estate, is chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Council of Christians and Jews. He has won pounds 750,000 - more than the Nobel Prize - for his work in "advancing the world's understanding of God and/or spirituality".

Through his work at the ICCJ and the Sternberg Centre for Judaism in London, Sir Sigmund, 76, has worked to promote co-operation, harmony and understanding among the world's religions. He said yesterday that he was humbled by the award. "Nothing I have done, in any sphere, prepared me for myself to be the recipient of this most prestigious and meaningful of prizes. Quite the contrary."