Rabbi Michael Laitner, the assistant rabbi at South Hampstead synagogue, has been appointed education co-ordinator for the United Synagogue's Living and Learning department.

David Kaplan, community services director at the US, said: "We are delighted that Rabbi Laitner will be playing a crucial role as the education co-ordinator of the new US department under the direction of Rabbi Andrew Shaw." Rabbi Laitner, a graduate of Leeds University and a former education director of the Union of Jewish Students, will also continue his work at South Hampstead.