Rev David Rome has begun his duties as Sutton United Synagogue’s new minister.

Rev Rome, who was brought up in Redbridge, was encouraged in his love of study, music and prayer from an early age. He was just 18 when he became the UK’s youngest cantor at Ilford United Synagogue, then one of Europe’s largest congregations.

He served for around eight years until 2012, when he joined Catford and Bromley Synagogue, where his late grandfather, Rabbi Judah Rockman, had been minister for 44 years.

While there, his projects included the formation of the South London, Kent and Surrey Jewish Historical Society and Jewish Culture South of the River.

Rev Rome said his new congregation had “a rich and diverse history” and the community was “warm and inviting and situated in one of the most beautiful parts of this country”.

Sutton chair Malcolm Proops was delighted to have engaged a minister with “a beautiful singing voice”.

“His presence will be an asset to our shul and we anticipate that this year’s Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services will be extraordinary,” he added.