Businesswoman Sharon Bannister aims to cultivate young leadership when she takes over the presidency of Manchester Jewish Representative Council.

The 60-year-old vice-president is expected to succeed Frank Baigel at next month's AGM. She currently runs an online retail business and is a dementia adviser to the Alzheimer's Society.

Ms Bannister has a wealth of youth work experience, including running north Manchester Jewish youth service The Project. She said: "The key thing is to have people who are committed to change, people who want to contribute to the community.

"We need to be more active in campaigning, using young committees working for the community. Instead of just meeting mayors, we want to be negotiating with councils and other organisations to get the community's voice listened to."

Mr Baigel has supported restructuring by involving younger council executives this year.