BRITAIN'S first openly gay rabbi was the special guest at an evening of discussion and debate.

Rabbi Lionel Blue was welcomed to Woodford Liberal Synagogue on Sunday (January 23) to talk about his life and his new book, The Godseeker's Guide.

The 80-year-old is a well-known author and broadcaster, having contributed to Radio 4's Thought for the Day for more than 30 years.

He entertained the 100-strong audience with jokes and anecdotes for more than an hour, despite having suffered from epilepsy and Parkinson's Disease for several decades.

Rabbi Blue's latest book is intended as a handbook for people seeking spiritual meaning in their lives.

At the end of the evening, he was presented with a special certificate commemorating the 50th anniversary of the synagogue in Marlborough Road, South Woodford.

The generous audience also donated £325 to the rabbi's nominated charity, the Margaret Centre at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone.