Pupils at the Akiva Primary in Finchley were joined by their Catholic counterparts from the neighbouring St Theresa’s School to celebrate the presentation of an award to interfaith relations pioneer Sir Sigmund Sternberg by the former Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor.

The pupils gave performances about Chanucah and Christmas before Sir Sigmund received a star to add to his papal knighthood, awarded in 1985 in recognition of efforts to promote relations between Jews and Catholics.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey also addressed the gathering.