Highgate School Jewish Circle, one of the oldest Jewish societies at a UK public school, staged a 70th anniversary party for 200 past and present members.

Guests included John Davis, who founded the circle when the school relocated to a small town in Devon during the Second World War.

The group initially assembled for Shabbat prayer, but later expanded its programme to organise discussions on topical Jewish issues. Back in the capital, it grew to become the largest Jewish society in north London and has a current membership of 163.

Mr Davis sounded a shofar to launch the celebrations and was also among the speakers, along with ex-pupils Rabbi Frank Lewis and Zionist Federation co-vice-chair Jonathan Hoffman.

There were additional contributions from members of the current Jewish Circle committee, including co-chairs Elisha Hoppen and Conrad Lennards and Julius Grower, Michael Rose, Florence Prevezer and Rosie Coco-Bambaji.