An event celebrating Jewish life in Leeds attracted 550 people to Etz Chaim Synagogue on Sunday.

The Makor-sponsored programme highlighted the breadth of the community's activities. It also served as the launch for the book, From the Leylands to Leeds 17. Authors Philippa Lester and Diane Saunders spoke about the work, which covers the past 150 years of Leeds Jewry in words and images and has already sold more than 300 copies.

Opening the event deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Stan Hardy said: "It is thanks to the Jewish people that much of the progress in medicine, science and the arts has taken place - and it helped put this city very firmly on the map.

"As a Christian, I would like to pay what I recognise is a wholly inadequate tribute to you, your forebears and your children. Thank you for who you are and for what you do."

Makor is setting up a living archive website to showcase stories that did not make it into the book.