A Bradford synagogue is set to be a major attraction of the first European Jewish Heritage Open Day next month.

The synagogue, in Bowland Street, Manningham, was built in the 1880s and is one of the oldest in the country. It is a Grade II-listed building which already welcomes visitors from across the north.

But people from around the world are expected to visit the building to mark the Heritage Day on Sunday, September 3, in what is hoped will be a boost to the Jewish community in Bradford.

Ken Fabian, chairman of the synagogue, said: "This is a very exciting prospect for us. There are three synagogues taking part in the north of England and this one in Bowland Street is the oldest, built around the 1880s in a Moorish design."

There will be speakers from across the north attending who will lecture on the history of the Jewish people in Bradford.

"The Heritage Day will be a chance to learn more about Jewish culture and history and is the first time there has been such an event," said Mr Fabian, of King's Road, Bradford.

Rabbi Douglas Charing, of Leeds, will be guest speaker with Mr Fabian also giving a talk.

"Visitors will then go on to the new Life Force Centre in Bradford and then to Little Germany, known to many as the Jewish Quarter of Bradford because it was built by German wool merchants - the majority of whom were Jewish," he added.

The Heritage Day is an initiative of B'nai B'rith, an international voluntary organisation that works with the European Council of Jewish communities, and will involve 16 countries from across the continent.

Antoinette Port, of B'nai B'rith in Leeds, said: "This synagogue is a hidden gem because you don't expect it to be there in such a commercial area.

"It has a wonderful design and many people, of Jewish and non-Jewish background, will be interested in seeing the synagogue in what promises to be a very exciting open day."