A Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue member has set up a tree of life to commemorate the many simchahs in the growing herts community.

Leaves can be used by families to mark births, bar- and batmitzvahs, weddings, anniversaries and other celebrations. Former board member Aaron Kaye was inspired by a similar initiative prompted by his father, Larry, at Bournemouth Chabad.

After the idea was approved by the elstree top brass, the "tree" was commissioned from an American Judaica specialist. Its foliage is made from blue transparent plexiglass and there are 300 gold-plated metal leaves. It was presented to the shul by a long-time congregant to celebrate his son's barmitzvah.

"Borehamwood and elstree synagogue is a vibrant community, with lots of young families," mr Kaye said.

"It seems that not a week goes by without a simchah, which is fantastic. The thought came to me that a tree of life would symbolically illustrate the constant growth, energy and regeneration."