A small West Norfolk community has formed a friends’ association to maintain the centuries-old Jewish cemetery in King’s Lynn.

Established after a meeting of community members and local residents, it is chaired by former Maccabi GB chief executive Martin Berliner, who has relocated to West Norfolk.

It will work with local authorities and the Board of Deputies, which administers the cemetery in Millfleet, to preserve the site and encourage wider interest through activities such as school visits. Borough mayor Councillor Lesley Bambridge is supporting the initiative.

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Millfleet Burial Ground

The walled cemetery contains 17 headstones, dating from 1811 to 1846. Visitors will be welcomed on Heritage Open Day on September 11.

The Jewish presence in the town dates back to the 12th century. Those currently living in and around King’s Lynn meet regularly in each other’s homes as the nearest synagogues are close to 50 miles away in Cambridge and Norwich.