Leo Baeck College's first alumnus, Rabbi Lionel Blue, and more than 40 other rabbis and student ministers were among the 200-plus guests at its 60th anniversary celebration at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue, St John's Wood.

Most serving UK Liberal and Reform rabbis, and a number with overseas communities, trained at the Finchley-based college.

Student rabbis Hannah Kingston, Gershon Silins and Igor Zinkov played key roles in the service, led by Leo Baeck dean, Rabbi Charles Middleburgh.

Its principal, Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris, said a legacy was being celebrated, of 185 rabbis ordained and nearly 90 educators trained to undergraduate and MA degree level for congregations.

She added that these were: "Rabbis who have contributed to the national life of this country and countries around the world, none more so than one of our beloved, Rabbi Lionel Blue, who we are blessed to have with us at this service."

Other alumni include Jacqueline Tabick, the first European woman rabbi, and the first openly gay rabbis in Europe, Elizabeth Sarah and Sheila Shulman.

The first Danish woman rabbi, Rabbi Sandra Kviat is also an alumnus.