A BBYO member from Northwood is the first European member of the youth movement's international board in 15 years.

Nick Phillips, 17, will take up the year-long position in July, following his election at the annual convention in Atlanta, Georgia.

One of 10 board members, he will serve as the international secretary and treasurer. He will also help to organise next year's convention.

The Merchant Taylors' pupil joined BBYO when he was 13 and has been actively involved. He is a programmer on the domestic national executive.

"This election shows how far BBYO has come in terms of bringing together Jewish teens from around the world," Nick said. "That unity is now a reality, not just a concept."

‘His passion for BBYO shines through in all he does’

National director Hannah Minsky noted that "people often talk about teenagers as leaders in the making but Nick is already a leader among his peers. His incredible maturity, professionalism and passion for BBYO - and the Jewish community - shines through in everything he does."

BBYO has 250 UK members and 36,000 worldwide.