Hendon Synagogue has begun its new building project with an official ground breaking ceremony.

More than 200 people, including the mayor of Barnet, Dayan Gelly, Dayan Abraham and Stephen Pack, vice-president of the United Synagogue, attended the event at the Raleigh Close synagogue on Sunday.

The £600,000 project includes a new bet midrash, administrative and washroom facilities and extended and updated function hall.

The Sol Cohen Hall will be used for Shabbat morning minyanim and children's service and will also be used as a venue for weddings, barmitzvahs and educational conferences. Plans include a retractable skylight, to allow the option of indoor-outdoor wedding ceremonies.

The expanded wing is to be dedicated to the memories of the former minister of the synagogue, the late Reverend Leslie Hardman and his wife Josie.

The works are due to last six months and will be completed by next June.

Hendon Synagogue's Rabbi Mordechai Ginsbury said: "This exciting expansion to Raleigh Close will benefit our community for many years to come. These facilities will house prayer, learning and celebration, and I can think of no greater tribute to the late Reverend and Mrs Hardman than that."

Jonathan Miller, chairman of the synagogue, added: "I am confident that the finished product will be worthy of our truly unique community. The immense support of our members has brought this vision to fruition. We look forward to welcoming them into the state-of-the-art facility their efforts have created."