A designer has come up with a cracking way of celebrating Pesach.

Using a computer-controlled laser cutter, Ben Farleigh has engraved Jewish-themed images on pieces of matzah. Two of the designs - called Jerusalem and Slaves - have been specially made for the festival.

Father-of-two Mr Farleigh, who teaches part-time at a school in north London, said the inspiration to produce intricate pieces of what he calls "matzart" came during a lesson.

"The students and I were working with the school's laser cutter, and I just fell in love with it." He realised that such a precision instrument could be used to create images without breaking the matzah.

Each piece is baked to rid it of moisture and then preserved with silicon.

The New North London Synagogue member said he hoped his art could provide a way to instil pride in Jewish culture. "It's a positive celebration of cultural Judaism in what feels like quite a negative time." He has made 300 copies of each design, selling for £39.99 apiece. Orders have come from Israel and France as well as the UK.

"I am delighted with the response. It's a brand new product; I haven't seen any other art made of matzah."