People of all religions and ages are set to take part in a Jewish-led day of social action today in events organised across Redbridge.

Mitzvah Day encourages people to get involved in hands-on projects – without fundraising – to support charities and help build stronger communities.

The sixth national Mitzvah Day, of which the Recorder is a media partner, is expecting to attract around 25,000 volunteers across the country.

Some projects started early with youngsters from Ilford Jewish Primary School, Barkingside and St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Gants Hill bringing in food for the homeless and new toys for Camp Simcha on Friday.

Redbridge is also set for a “mitzover” today with buildings and outside areas benefiting from some much-needed tender loving care.

Clayhall Synagogue and Redbridge Jewish Community Centre – Sinclair House in Woodford Bridge Road will both receive a sprucing up.

Members at Ilford Federation Synagogue, Coventry Road, Ilford will also be keeping themselves busy decorating and collecting food for the elderly.

One of the biggest schemes based around Mitzvah Day is the “give away your lunch” initiative which was launched this year and began on Friday in work-places across the borough.

Redbridge Council workers gave away their lunch to the Salvation Army in Ilford and Recorder staff will be joining in on Tuesday.