Decorating donuts, magic tricks and musical playtime all made up a celebration of Chanukah at one synagogue in Chigwell.

Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue, Limes Avenue rounded off the party with candle-lighting and singing led by Rabbi Meir Shindler.

Mr Shindler said: “It was wonderful to see so many children from our community having a marvellous time, and there is such an amazing atmosphere. We wanted to cater for all ages and had a fantastic turnout.”

Chanukah is an eight day Jewish festival which means Festival of Lights and celebrated the rededication of the Holy temple in Jerusalem.

Children decorated their own donuts helped by 16-year-old Mia Sands who said: “I don’t know who was enjoying themselves the most with all the different-coloured icing - us or the children.”

More than 100 children joined the party complete with its own entertainer Professor Palmermoff who led activities for the children.