Dignitaries from across Barnet joined the congregation at Edgware District Reform Synagogue (EDRS) on Saturday for its annual civic ceremony.

Martin Russell, Her Majesty's Representative and Deputy Lieutenant for Barnet along with the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor John Marshall and Hendon MP Andrew Dismore were invited for the service at the Stonegrove synagogue.

Attended by more than 150 members of the community, the event marked the beginning of a new council year for EDRS and was followed by a celebratory lunch.

Mr Marshall said afterwards: "I really enjoyed myself.

"I think it's really important that we're showing solidarity with the community so that when there are campaigns to run the community knows they can call on us for support.

"It also demonstrates to the sources of hatred and anti-Semitism that we're on the side of the good guys."

Then on Sunday the Mayor hosted another civic service at the Parish Church of St Jude-on-the-Hill, in Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Barnet councillors in addition to past Mayors, Freemen of the borough, MPs, magistrates and representatives from the council's partner organisations including the police and fire brigade, were among Mr Marshall's guests at the annual event.

The service included hymns and prayers for the Queen, the Mayor, the borough and the country.

Mr Marshall added: "I should like to thank all who came and in particular my chaplain, for his inspiring address."