Rabbi ML Cofnas, the senior rabbi of the community, praised the "tremendous mutual respect" that exists, citing as a prime example the arrangements for National Holocaust Day.

He said: "The Lord Mayor's office can't do enough to accommodate the community's feelings for what is not a Jewish event, but a national one."

He added that he believed that the honour and courtesy with which he is treated is a reflection on the respect extended to the community as a whole.

CIVIC GUESTS: The Recorder of Liverpool Judge Henry Globe QC with the High Sheriff of Liverpool David McDonnell CBE at the Civic Service

Rabbi Cofnas acknowledged that his occupation of the pulpit was a little unusual as it was customary to invite a guest preacher from outside of the city.

This was partially explained as the service had been due to be hosted by his own congregation at Childwall, but had been moved due to planned building work which had been delayed.

The service was attended by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Mike Storey and the mayors of neighbouring boroughs in full civic regalia.

Among those processing through a JLGB honour guard were the Recorder of Liverpool Judge Henry Globe QC, the High Sheriff of Liverpool David McDonnell, MPs Jane Kennedy and Louise Ellman, a Princes Road Synagogue member, city council leader Warren Bradley, other senior councillors and representatives of other faiths and the emergency services.

WARM WELCOME: Merseyside Jewish Representative Council president and chairman Gordon Globe (centre) with Board of Deputies president Vivian Wineman (left) and vice president and Jewish Telegraph correspondent Jerry Lewis

The service was conducted by Chazan Alex Jacobs and the Childwall choristers accompanied by Gregory Abrams on the organ.

The King David Primary School choir also sang.

Following the service Childwall shul senior warden Ashley Bernstein presented books to Rabbi Cofnas and Cllr Storey and a copy of the DVD Chicken Soup and Scouse to the Lady Mayoress, Carole Storey.

Cllr Storey said how much he enjoyed celebrating and meeting with different cultures and faiths in the city.

He joked that had the service not been switched from Childwall he would have been able to walk from his house rather than travel in the civic limousine.