Bushey Synagogue members got into the Mitzvah Day spirit early by volunteering for the Small Acts of Kindness charity, which sources, packs and distributes more than 3,000 "Warm in Winter" bags annually to older and socially isolated people in the Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere areas.

Sarah Zackheim, one of the shul's Mitzvah Day co-ordinators, said the activity had whetted appetities for the shul's main Mitzvah Day programme, which will include a seniors and juniors tea and an interfaith visit to elderly members of a church community.