A young Jewish couple in a long distance relationship have been chosen as the faces of a national Megabus campaign — much to the amusement of family and friends.

Jonny Halmer is studying at Nottingham University. His girlfriend Sofie Woolfstein lives and works in London and they use the bus service to visit each other.

When Megabus sent out an email “looking for couples to be part of advert, we thought, ‘why not’? — it could be quite fun”, Mr Halmer said.

They are featured in a two-minute advert, which can be viewed online, explaining how the bus service has helped their relationship. Mr Halmer is seen sprucing up his student accommodation in advance of his girlfriend’s arrival.

Mr Halmer, 21, a former Yavneh College pupil, met Ms Woolfstein, a creative co-ordinator for fashion brand Lipsy, at a New Year’s Eve party in Cape Town in 2017.

Ms Woolfstein — who grew up in Manchester, attending the King David School — said they found they had so much in common, “we both knew we wanted to pursue the relationship as soon as we got back to England”.

Initially, they had not wanted to rush things because of the travelling involved. “But we’ve always made the effort to see each other whenever we can.”

Their relationship has flourished, despite never living in the same city.

Mr Halmer said the pair had enjoyed filming the commercial. “Most people think it is great, although as you might imagine, the boys have been taking a bit of the mick.

“Seeing each other on FaceTime and messaging is all well and good. But at the same time, not being in Sofie’s presence is challenging.”

Ms Woolfstein added: “We’ve been together for three years. The distance really isn’t easy and all I want to do is come home and cuddle him. We have to remember it is all in the short term and eventually we’ll be together.”