Reform Judaism senior rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner led Southport Reform Synagogue’s 70th anniversary service, assisted by former rabbis of the congregation Norman Zalud and Amanda Golby.

Also among the guests was Charles Hardy, the shul’s first barmitzvah boy in 1949, and the three most recent celebrants.

To mark the occasion, shul chair Selwyn Goldthorpe baked and decorated a birthday cake and following lunch, members shared memories old and more recent.

The shul has 81 adult members and 16 student/child members, reported its treasurer, Tony Kletz.

“The community is surprisingly vibrant for its size. There are a couple of young families.

“There have been three bar/batmitzvahs in the past year and there are two children commencing cheder lessons this autumn.”

Members are drawn from areas including Crosby, Blackburn, Wigan and Preston — and as far north as Barrow-in-Furness. Although the community does not have a rabbi, “we benefit from visits from student rabbis studying at Leo Baeck College”, Mr Kletz added.