David Isenberg decided not to fulfil his lifetime ambition of becoming an actor because he preferred to take his religion seriously.

He was also discouraged from entering the profession. David said: "I really wanted to go into theatre. Everyone steered me against acting because it was insecure."

Liverpool-born David moved to Southport when he was five. After completing O-Levels at King George V College in Southport David would have terminated his formal education if it would not have been for his mother Blanche.

He said: "I wanted to leave school at 16 but my mum said I could not because I was too clever."

Following his A-Levels his father Louis advised him to get a teaching qualification. He later went on to teach theatre arts at Manchester Polytechnic.

Following a BA and MA in English at Liverpool University he gained a postgraduate Certificate of Education. He then taught for one year each in schools in Crosby and Bootle. David later worked in Manchester for three years.

While on a secondment from work he did an MA in theatre arts at Birmingham University.

By now David had numerous qualifications and still had the choice to go into the theatre.

He added: "After completing my qualifications I thought it was too late and I could not be an observant Jew in theatre."

Although David admitted that he never wanted to teach he moved to Manchester full-time to attend teacher training college.

One might find this surprising as he taught at the Hebrew classes in Southport while in further education.

He studied English and established a drama course as part of the qualification.

David taught theatre arts at Manchester Polytechnic where he remained until retiring in his early 50s.

Although he did not retire until 1993 David moved back to Southport in 1985 because his mother was ill. She died two years later.

David said: "I wanted to remain in Southport because the air in Whitefield did not seem as good."

Since retiring, bachelor David has immersed himself in all aspects of synagogue life.

He has been treasurer and junior warden at Southport's Arnside Road Synagogue. As part of the Arnside Social Committee he has directed Chanucah productions.

Locally, David is known for his unique dress sense and his casual appearance on Shabbat.

He said: "Someone once said to me, 'I like the clothes you wear but I do not think they are suitable for the synagogue'."