A rabbi has come up with a high-tech way to aid communication between synagogues and their congregations.

The Smart Community app features essential information such as service times, announcements and details of upcoming events.

It can send messages to members and can also direct visitors new to an area to the nearest shul.

The app is the brainchild of Rabbi Eli Magzimof, chaplain for students in Leeds, who funded the costs of development himself.

It will launch at the end of June and five synagogues have already signed up to use it, costing £12 a month.

Rabbi Magzimof said he had received positive feedback from communities at presentations.

"You can add or remove features to it in such a way to meet all the needs of every community," he said. The Israeli-born rabbi has a technology background: he founded an IT company before turning to the ministry.