The Prime Minister’s wife, Sarah Brown, was at Edgware and District Reform Synagogue to present certificates to the 23 young graduates of its leadership programme.

“This is a shining example of a truly thriving community,” Mrs Brown told them. “You have worked so hard these past two years, and I am sure you understand the great responsibility and opportunity you now have to lead the way. You have the qualities to help nurture and inspire those around you.”

The ceremony was held in front of a 120-strong audience comprising family and friends, the shul’s ministers and honorary officers and Reform Judaism head Rabbi Tony Bayfield.

EDRS youth workers Emma Senitt and Lisa Goldsobel devised and implemented the course, incorporating informal Jewish education, child protection and programme writing and delivery.

Participants gained experience by working with the synagogue’s many weekly clubs and play schemes.

“We are so proud of what this group have achieved over the past two years,” Ms Goldsobel said.

“Many of them have been attending clubs at EDRS since they were young. We have seen them develop into wonderful role models and it’s fantastic that they now want to give back to the community that has given them so much.”