The next chief rabbi has become the first patron of a Jewish charity which gives practical support to people who find themselves alone.

Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, who will take over from Rabbi Lord Sacks as the leader of Britain's Orthodox Jewish community in September, was made patron of charity Paperweight last week.

During the event, which took place in Chai Cancer Care's offices in the Great North Way in Hendon, the religious leader said he was delighted to become involved with the organisation.

The Spurs fan, who lives in Finchley, praised those who gave their time to volunteer for the charity.

Although it operates London-wide, all of the trustees and most of the volunteers are Barnet-based.

The organisers visit people in times of need and assist with the practical sides of living alone, paying bills and putting their homes in order.

Rabbi Mirvis added: “It provides such a crucial and much-needed service in the community.”

Trustee Benjamin Conway thanked Rabbi Mirvis for his involvement and reflected on how much the charity had grown since it was founded in 2010.

He said: “Case workers come from across London with a tremendous talent base. Among them are solicitors, accountants, social workers and a range of skilled individuals."

“They deal with issues ranging from divorces and wills to filling out forms and debt rescheduling.

“Ideally, Paperweight's objectives are to help clients initially and then, through gradual support and guidance, to enable them to manage independently in the future.”