SCHOOLCHILDREN joined with civic dignitaries and representatives from all faith groups to remember those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.

In a poignant tribute to the millions of innocent victims, and in recognition of the sad fact that genocide still exists, about 200 people attended Bury's Holocaust Memorial Day last Thursday (Jan 22).

This was Bury Council's fourth annual event, attended by the Mayor of Bury, Coun Wilf Davison, fellow councillors, officers, representatives from faith groups and local high schools.

This year's theme for the event in the Longfield Suite, Prestwich, was "From the Holocaust to Rwanda" and complements a national Holocaust Memorial Day, held in Belfast on January 27.

Pictured at the event are Dr Noemie Lopian, a Jewish representative who read at the service and David Arnold, president of the Jewish Representative Council.

In opening the service, Coun Davison said: "Our world and its peoples will be forever scarred by the events of the Holocaust and by the realisation that genocide did not end with it. Sadly, in years since, many human tragedies witnessed in the Holocaust have returned, albeit in different contexts and circumstances. The Rwandan genocide is one example."

Guests heard readings from pupils from a number of high schools, including Prestwich Community High, Parrenthorn, Elton, Castlebrook, St Monica's RC and St Gabriel's RC.

They related tragic events which took place in Rwanda ten years ago and personal accounts from families who survived the Holocaust were also heard.

St Monica's RC High School choir captured the audience with their singing and candles were lighted throughout the evening to remember the victims.

Gill Stainthorpe, from the Curriculum Language Access Service, explained that what happens in other countries has an immediate effect on people in Bury.

She said: "We have 145 pupils in our schools, some of whom have witnessed killings and torture and have experienced in their young lives things which no one of their age should ever see or experience."

Organiser Harold Williams, director of education and culture, said: "The mood of this event was sombre and reflective and as we came to the end of the evening a seventh candle was lighted to symbolise hope. The message from one of the poems on the night was that if we forget, then more innocent people will suffer, and we were left to reflect on that issue."

Other representatives at the event included the emergency services, the Jewish Representative Council, the Church of England, the Consul General of Pakistan in Manchester, Mr S. Choudhry and the deputy Consul General of China in Manchester, Mr Wu Yangyu.