The Borehamwood partnership minyan, Kehillat Nashira, has celebrated its first batmitzvah since its establishment two years ago.

As well as giving a dvar Torah on a Shabbat morning, Sarah Douek carried the Sefer Torah around the women's section and was called up during the reading of the Torah.

Her mother, Laura Hudes-Douek, said: "Many present at the service watching Sarah take her first few steps into Jewish womanhood were both visibly moved and very proud to see her do this confidently.

"Anywhere else in the Orthodox world, my daughter simply wasn't given the freedom with which to express herself fully and spiritually. This will be happening more and more in the mainstream Orthodox world. It's just a matter of time."

Sarah said the ceremony "was such an amazing and spiritual experience. I'm so grateful to everyone who made it happen."