Norwich Hebrew Congregation's lay reader Alex Bennett is to stand down at the age of 77.

Until a successor is appointed, the former accountant and bookseller will continue to lead Shabbat services and produce his weekly sermons.

Shul secretary Maureen Leveton, a Norwich congregant for more than half-a-century, said the community had been fortunate down the years in finding capable lay readers. Like Mr Bennett, they have mostly been retirees with deep Jewish knowledge. "All have done a wonderful job in keeping the community together."

An "understanding attitude" was essential in "a small Jewish community which is endeavouring to keep its Jewish identity in a city of historical Jewish importance".

The independent shul has a membership of around 100 people and a striking modern building.

It offers its lay reader accommodation - a newly refurbished minister's flat above the shul - plus an honorarium and expenses.