CHILDREN celebrated the start of Chanukah with a party at a South Woodford synagogue.

The youngsters enjoyed traditional games, face painting and a doughnut eating competition at the Woodford Liberal Synagogue in Marlborough Road, South Woodford on Saturday.

The celebrations ended with a short service led by Rabbi, Richard Jacobi, with children lighting their chanukiahs to mark the first day of Chanukah.

Johnny Hurst, whose children attended the celebrations, said: “Having around 100 people attend and thoroughly enjoy the event really shows what a warm and thriving community this is.”