Leading politicians are supporting a national day of good deeds and a campaign run by the Times & Independent Series.

Prime Minister David Cameron, Labour party leader Ed Miliband, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Mayor of London Boris Johnson all say the Mitzvah Day project has made them “proud”.

Held on November 16, the annual day sees people from across England lend a helping hand to their community.

This year, Times & Independent Series reporters will be taking part, helping a good cause to be selected in a competition.

Around 35,000 participants from 500 charities, synagogues, other faith and community organisations, schools, youth groups and offices are expected to participate in projects in practically every major town and city across Britain.

Mr Cameron said: “Mitzvah Day is a wonderful example of how people from all faiths and backgrounds join together for the shared purpose of a greater good.

"Days like this show that while there is tragedy and suffering in our world, there is also great kindness and understanding. On Mitzvah Day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things to help the vulnerable or those in need.

“It makes me enormously proud that last year almost 35,000 people took part across the country and I hope even more people will embrace it this year as an opportunity to make a real difference to their neighbourhoods.”

Mr Miliband said: “I am delighted to take this opportunity to support Mitzvah Day. This day is an admirable example of how people from different faiths and backgrounds come together to support social action initiatives which promote Jewish values such as communal responsibility and solidarity.”

Log on next week to find out what challenge Times & Independent Series reporters will be taking part in on November 16.