Teenagers designed and developed their own prayer book which is going to be used during special family services at a synagogue.

South West Essex & Settlement Reform Synagogue, Oaks Lane, Newbury Park will hold the family services every six weeks using the new book.

Rabbi Nancy Morris said favourite songs, and particularly relevant prayers, had been selected for the book. The service was also shorter.

She said: “The younger people here suggested what would be more family friendly.

“We had different ages of people doing different things in the service from grandparents to young children and we will do this on a regular basis.”

The new books were tried out during a service which included a special blessing for all the schoolchildren taking exams.

Rabbi Morris said: “It was great and everyone really, really loved it.”