The parents of a Borehamwood boy with learning difficulties and epilepsy have praised a Norwood recreational facility for enabling him to celebrate his barmitzvah.

Michael Lang’s ceremony was on Sunday at Norwood’s Kennedy Leigh Centre in Hendon.

He attends Norwood’s Unity club and the 90 guests included many friends from Norwood and Michael’s residential school, run by Young Epilepsy in Surrey. The service was conducted by Unity’s Rabbi Yaakov Finn.

Michael’s father, Leonard, said: “The function could not have taken place without the fantastic efforts of Michelle Benson and her team at Unity. With Michael’s behavioural problems, we weren’t sure how he would be on the day but with his friends from Norwood around him, he was a star.”

Unity manager Jo Shone said that it was important for boys like Michael to celebrate a barmitzvah “in an environment suitable for their needs”.