Mitzvah Day is in full swing around the world with 40,000 volunteers, including 25,000 in the UK, engaging in social action projects.

This year's UK event is focusing on building bridges with interfaith projects throughout London and in Essex, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Birmingham.

Laura Marks, the Mitzvah Day founder, said: “Since the EU Referendum and US Presidential election campaigns, we’ve seen a rise in racism and hate crimes and a heightened fear of the outsider. The need to bring people together has never been greater.

“While we are honoured to have high profile guests join us, it’s the 40,000 people in our synagogues, churches, mosques and gurdwaras that really drive these amazing acts of kindness and make bonds that will last for years.”

Among activities held before the weekend, local MP Wes Streeting visited Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School for a special assembly. He was impressed by the huge number of toys collected for domestic and overseas children's charities and the amount of food donated for people in need.

In Edgware, children from the Reform synagogue’s Nagila Nursery sang for residents at Knights Court Care Home.

Companies and organisations taking part in Mitzvah Day included the Jewish Leadership Council, which arranged a #Spit4Mum session to find bone marrow donors for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

In Leeds, Hilary Benn MP helped students of all faiths prepare for a city-wide food collection.