Elstree and Borehamwood, home to the UK’s largest mainstream Orthodox community, has signed a twinning agreement with Shoham in central Israel.

A delegation from the Israeli town, including its mayor, Eitan Petigro, travelled to Borehamwood for the signing.

The Israelis also visited local film studios, sports and cultural venues, schools including Yavneh College and the Jewish Life Centre.

Town council members had previously paid privately funded visits to Shoham.

The aim of the agreement is to forge cultural, educational, leisure and business links between the communities.

After the signing, Borehamwood town mayor, Councillor Sandra Parnell, said: “I am incredibly delighted that this twinning has come to fruition after seven long years of trying to twin with a town in Israel.”

Councillor Jeremy Newmark, who chaired the ceremony, was “excited about the tangible economic and educational benefits this partnership will deliver.

“Our initial plans include collaboration in the field of robotics, where Shoham is a world leader, and a football competition between the two towns to be hosted at Meadow Park, the home of Boreham Wood FC.”

Mr Petigro said Shoham citizens were “excited and enthused” about the twinning and looked forward to engaging at “every level”.