New Leeds Jewish Representative Council president Laurence Saffer has pledged to be "available, approachable, amenable and affable - but [most] importantly, useful".

Addressing the AGM, held at Leeds Civic Hall, he added: "I am sure that not everyone will agree with everything I do or say. But I will do what I think is right."

The lawyer has been active in communal affairs since being appointed Soviet Jewry officer for Habonim in 1978. He has been involved with CST, Leeds Jewish Welfare Board, Leeds Talmud Torah and the Beth Hamidrash Hagadol Synagogue.

He is among rep council delegates who have been engaging with Leeds City Council and others on tolerance and inclusivity issues.