A RECORD-breaking number of spectators and dignitaries witnessed the city paying its respects to its first recorded Jewish citizen.

More than 250 people attended the unveiling of a blue plaque in honour of Israel Samuel in East Street, Brighton.

The event, which was attended by three direct descendants of Mr Samuel who had travelled from as far away as New Zealand, is part of a six-month celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Jewish community in the city.

The crowd is estimated to be the biggest turnout for a blue plaque unveiling in a century of such ceremonies in the city.

The event included a free open air concert by the Brighton and Hove Youth Big Band and a civic procession including the Lord Lieutenant, mayor and deputy Mayor of Brighton and Hove.

Attendees at the ceremony included relatives of shopowner Mr Samuel, the chairman of the Jewish Historical Society of England and the chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Mr Samuel's residence in Brighton was first recorded in 1766.

Former Hove MP Ivor Caplin, who is the Jewish Labour Movement South East region chairman, said: “This was a remarkable day for the city and the Jewish community.

“Israel Samuel’s relatives who arrived from as far afield as New Zealand were overwhelmed with the welcome they received.”