Leon Smith

Nightingale, the UK's oldest Jewish care home is celebrating the 35th year of its chief executive Leon Smith working for the community service.

Starting in 1973 as a junior manager, Smith became chief executive in 1998 and has lead the transformation of the home from large dormitories where residents lived to modern en suite private rooms.

"Nightingale is extremely fortunate that he has chosen to devote himself to the organisation," said Harvey Rosenblatt, chairman of Nightingale. "The trustees join me in congratulating Leon upon reaching this amazing milestone and thank him for all his efforts and consequent achievements. Nightingale would not be the centre of excellence it is today without him."

Smith commented: "It is hard to believe that I have been at Nightingale for 35 years.   I. My own personal pride of what has been achieved here at Nightingale should also be shared by the entire community for without its support Nightingale simply would not exist as we know it today."