In his valedictory sermon as Hampstead Garden Suburb minister, Rabbi Reuven Livingstone said he was "proud to have been the rabbi of a community that is now more diverse, friendlier and younger in its make-up".

However, he urged the Norrice Lea congregation to show "more empathy" for its next rabbi, observing: "This is a community where it's almost impossible to satisfy everyone."

Rabbi Livingstone will continue his interfaith work, which includes meetings with imams to discuss co-operation, as well as becoming a Forces chaplain.