An historic Birmingham synagogue is throwing open its doors to the public for one day only on September 12.

Singers Hill Synagogue in the city centre is Britain’s oldest Grade II* listed daily working synagogue.

As part of English Heritage Day, members of the public will be able to have an organised tour around the Victorian building on September 12 between 10am and 1pm

The synagogue, in Blucher Street, near the Mailbox, was designed by architect, H. Yeoville Thomason, who was also responsible for the Council House and Museum and Art Gallery.

It was originally designed in an Italianate style and many of its original features are still visible today. The foundation stone was laid in April 1855 and it was opened a year later by the then Chief Rabbi Dr Nathan Adler.

Chief Minister of Singers Hill, Rabbi Yossi Jacobs, said the synagogue was a “living and breathing” place of worship.

“The open day gives an opportunity for visitors to fully appreciate this and see how important a synagogue is to Jewish life,” he said.

The building was granted Grade II listing in 1967 and this was raised to Grade II* in 1995 - a rating which only a handful of other Birmingham buildings have.

* For admission on September 12, contact the Singers Hill Synagogue on 0121 643 0884 or e-mail office@singershill.co.uk before 3pm on September 8.