International Development Minister, Lynne Featherstone; Labour MP, David Lammy; and Haringey Mayor, Councillor David Browne were among the congregation at Muswell Hill Synagogue’s first civic Shabbat service.

Addressing guests, who also included a number of local councillors, Rabbi David Mason said: “We are here to help those of you who work tirelessly for Haringey borough.”

Councillor Browne, who read the Queen’s Prayer, responded that the service sent a strong message to the wider community and hoped it would be held annually.