Rabbi Barry Marcus has retired from London’s Central Synagogue after 24 years - but the community will still have a Rabbi Barry in charge.

Barry Lerer will be moving from Barnet Synagogue to be the West End shul's new spiritual leader in February after 12 years at the North London community.

American-born Rabbi Lerer, 46, received his ordination from the London School of Jewish Studies and is a former youth director of Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue and Watford Synagogue rabbi.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove led the tributes to Rabbi Marcus at a farewell reception, highlighting his pioneering work on Holocaust educational trips for young people.