Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has praised a young Jewish filmmaker who took part in his Faith Shorts film competition, and said his Faith Foundation was working to make sure more Jews participated at the next competition.

Mr Blair praised the work of ex-JFS pupil Lara Smallman and her colleagues for the four-minute film The Laugh Judgment. She was the only Jewish filmmaker shortlisted. Judges for the inaugural competition included Natalie Portman, Rabbi David Rosen, June Sarpong, and Hugh Jackman.

Mr Blair said: "The standard of entries from young Jewish film makers was extremely high. I hope next year we can hear more Jewish voices and help the audience to gain a sense of what it means to be Jewish for different people in different communities."