Rabbinical student Anna Gerrard is to work for a year with Liberal Judaism’s fledgling Gloucestershire community.

London-born Ms Gerrard, 29, holds a theology degree from Birmingham University and has worked for Liberal Judaism’s young adults outreach programme. She relishes the prospect of assisting the “exciting development” of the 50-member group and will be dividing her time between Gloucestershire and Jerusalem, where she is continuing her studies.

Community founder member Allison Hyman said: “Anna will be crucial at helping with cheder classes.”

Ms Gerrard has taken her first service for the group, held at the home of Arthur and Zena Lewis. “It was lovely to meet members of all ages.”