Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue has this week made its long-serving former rabbi, Alan Plancey, emeritus minister. The move comes on the first anniversary of his retirement from the Borehamwood pulpit after serving the community for more than 30 years. He and his wife Miriam were instrumental in building up the congregation to its current size and prominence.

After his retirement, Rabbi Plancey became the temporary spiritual leader of Northwood Synagogue in succession to Rabbi Naftali Brawer - who in a neat twist, has taken over the Borehamwood pulpit. Rabbi Plancey, who still lives in Borehamwood, expects to remain at Northwood until at least the end of the year.

Rabbi Plancey said his emeritus status was "a very great honour which comes as recognition of the contribution that Miriam and I made to the growth and development of the community over 32 years."