A major extension to the United Synagogue’s Waltham Abbey cemetery was consecrated yesterday by the London Beth Din’s Dayan Menachem Gelley. Based on current burial rates, the additional 12,000 graves will be sufficient for the next 40 years.

Prayer books and a Sefer Torah were buried as part of the ceremony, attended by US leaders and shul chairmen. Burial society head Melvyn Hartog said: “Waltham Abbey is recognised as one of the best-kept cemeteries in the UK.

“The new consecration will ensure that our members can be provided for and that families can remain together in the years to come.”