A new rabbinic couple have "hit the ground running" according to the chair of the St Albans United Synagogue.

Karen Appleby said since the arrival of Rabbi Daniel and Rebbetzin Alli Strugess in mid-August, a 50-year gap since the community last had a spiritual leader has been filled, and the signs are coming thick and fast that this once sleepy congregation has more than turned the corner.

She said: "A significant indicator was the crammed shul during the recent High Holydays in September and October, when there was standing room only at one point - an unprecedented situation for many years.

"Our membership numbers actually started increasing earlier this year - we have seen a 20 per cent upsurge since the spring."

Events organised by the rabbinic couple have also helped attract younger members to the synagogue. At their recent Sunday Funday, out of 60 people who came, a third of those were children.

Mrs Appleby added: "With a communal lunch to mark the national and global Shabbat UK day, Mitzvah Day and our annual quiz coming up within the next few weeks, the synagogue has never been so busy.

"There's a real buzz about the place now, with increasing engagement in the community from a greater variety of members.

"It is still early days, but already Rabbi Daniel and Rebbetzin Alli have proved to be approachable, friendly, able and effective. We are confident that the Sturgesses can and will help us maintain this growth."