In his farewell report to Manchester Jewish Representative Council, outgoing president Frank Baigel said it had been an "honour to represent the community which has high status in the civic life of this region.

"One thing is clear. We now have a louder voice in national Jewish circles as befits the second largest community in the UK. But there is still much more to do"

Also addressing the AGM was his successor, 60-year-old Sharon Bannister, who runs an online retail business and is an adviser to the Alzheimer's Society. Keen to cultivate young leaders, she said the presidency would be a learning experience but she was fully committed to the role. "My heart is in the council and in the Jewish community."