A UK group that promotes equality for LGBT people in the Jewish community has achieved charitable status.

Keshet UK, a major grassroots LGBT forum in the British Jewish community, said the new status would help its fundraising activities.

Co-director Benjamin Ellis said: “Keshet UK is not a political organisation. The work we do is about promoting the inclusion of LGBT people in all areas of Jewish life in the UK.

“Achieving charitable status will not change our agenda – it will enable us to carry on the work we do, which includes training and workshops for people in synagogues, schools and youth movements.

“We are here to make sure that no one should have to choose between their community, who they are and who they love.”

Mr Ellis confirmed that the group’s bid to achieve charitable status “took longer than we would have liked – a few months”, but added that he was pleased “the Charity Commission agree that the work we do is charitable”.