Cruise big draw for British Scientologists

LONDON, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Tom Cruise provided some Hollywood glitter for a gathering of Scientologists in Britain.

The pricing system for a major fundraising banquet in Sussex was simple, The Telegraph reported. Those who donated the most got the choice seats, and since Cruise is a major contributor, he was seated near the stage, along with the other major patrons.

The most expensive seats at Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead cost at least $1,900, the newspaper said.

Cruise did not attend the opening ceremony for a new Scientology center in the City of London. Actresses Jenna Elfman and Anne Archer, who were also at the banquet, did.

That ceremony, marred by heavy rain, featured a bagpipe band and a welcome from Kevin Hurley, a senior officer in the City of London police, who said that Scientology has "raised the spiritual wealth of society."

The Telegraph describes the center as a tribute to L. Ron Hubbard, a science fiction writer and founder of Scientology.