The Assembly of Masorti Synagogues has become a constituent member of the Jewish Leadership Council.

Masorti communities will be represented by the organisation's co-chair Bill Benjamin.

A former member of the JLC's commission on the future of Jewish schools, Mr Benjamin is also a trustee of JCoSS.

Vivian Wineman, JLC chairman, said: "We are delighted that Masorti has joined the JLC. This will further enhance the council's plurality and expand our organisational membership base."

Mr Benjamin, 46, said: " Membership of the JLC will place the Masorti movement at the heart of a variety of initiatives and discussions about the way our community works together."

The new Union of Jewish Students chair, Alex Dwek, has replaced his predecessor Adam Pike on the council, while Lucille Cohen will now represent Manchester Representative Council.