A state-of-the-art mikvah is to be built at the Yeshurun Synagogue in South Manchester.

The plans extend to an integral music system designed to enhance the spiritual experience.

The modern-Orthodox community in Gatley agreed to the project when the Manchester Mikvah Fund offered to fund the development. The fund will co-ordinate planning and construction, supported by donors who want to encourage mikvah observance.

Manchester's existing mikvah is in Hale, a 30-minute round trip.

Yeshurun's Rabbi Chaim Kanterovitz maintains that more women would use a mikvah if one was nearer to home.

"There is an awakening in people to search for a deeper meaning. It's not just a dunk in a bath.

"The whole experience gives the relationship within a marriage a special focus."