Senior figures from the United Synagogue met members of Hull Hebrew Congregation this week, raising the possibility that it could follow other regional communities into the US fold.

US vice-president Leonie Lewis and chief executive Steven Wilson visited the East Yorkshire city, whose Jewish community is one of the oldest in the country — it celebrated its 250th anniversary two years ago.

Phil Daniels, acting chairman of the synagogue, said members were “deliberating on various options for the future management of the community’s affairs”. No decision had been reached.

At its height, the community numbered 2,000 but the city’s two synagogues — the other is Reform — now have fewer than 200 combined.

Sheffield became the first northern congregation to join the US four years ago. Birmingham Central later affiliated and Childwall in Liverpool is actively considering it.

On Facebook, Mrs Lewis wrote that it was “heartwarming to see 45 people turn out to discuss their community”.

Noting that the average age of attenders was 70, she added: “Keeping volunteering is the secret as they all looked so well.”