The first UK exhibition of the work of Israel's Agency for International Development went on display at Manchester Town Hall this week.

Eighty guests viewed the 20 display boards and flat-screen presentation at Tuesday's launch. The exhibition - focusing on humanitarian work resulting from Israeli technological advances - will remain in the town hall reception area for a fortnight.

Performing the opening, Manchester Lord Mayor Councillor Mark Hackett said it showed Israel had the cultural, scientific and ethical background to meet its international responsibilities, adding: "It is part of an ongoing dialogue and friendship that Manchester can develop with Israel."

Michael Brodsky, director of public affairs at London's Israeli embassy, hoped the showcase would "expose a new face of Israel to the citizens of Manchester". The exhibition will next be shown in Belfast.