A JEWISH group has celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special service of commemoration.

Nearly one hundred people from across Redbridge - including mayor Thomas Chan - gathered at Woodford Liberal Synagogue on Sunday to mark its founding half a century ago.

The group was first established as the Woodford Liberal Congregation in 1960 with members initially holding meetings in eachothers' homes, before the synagogue was built, in Marlborough Road, South Woodford, five years later.

The building has since been extended in 1992.

The service was attended by Danny Rich, chief executive of Liberal Judaism, who said: "Woodford Liberal Synagogue has been a beacon in East London during this half century and in the next 50 years will offer a warm welcome and caring way of life in accord with modern living and liberal judaism."

Cllr Chan, a practising Christian, also spoke at the event.

He said: "I liked the sense of warmth and closeness of the synagogue.

"I was proud to get the chance to say a few words during the service."