Chelmsford Jewish Community has invested in its online presence to increase awareness of its existence among Jews living in the city and the surrounding areas.

Addressing the AGM and garden party of the non-affiliated Essex congregation, which welcomes people of all shades of observance, chairman Stan Keller outlined grounds for optimism.

"A key reason to be hopeful is the enormous amount of building development going on locally and, just on the law of averages, the chance that there will be more Jewish people moving here.

"Our task is to find them. Our website has been revamped and the CJC now has its own Facebook page. Hopefully the younger generation, in particular, will find something for them here."

The community has 60 member families, accounting for around 125 people. Those at the garden party ranged in age from three to 83.

It holds services on alternate Friday nights, and occasionally on Shabbat morning, in a central location.