THE UNIVERSITY of Central Lancashire is preparing up to commemorate National Holocaust Day.

The second of the annual commemorative days, on Sunday, January 27, will give people the chance to remember the horrors of the Second World War.

And to mark the event the Preston-based university is hosting the Anne Frank exhibition, which tells the tale of the life of one of the holocaust's most famous victims.

The exhibition is touring the country's higher education colleges -- with more than 15,000 people having already seen the displays -- before touching down in Preston for the special day.

Intended to educate young people against prejudice and racism, the exhibition will relate the story of Anne, and her harrowing experiences during the war.

Katie Parr, the university's Students' Union welfare officer, said: "To have the chance to be involved in this excellent Anne Frank exhibition is amazing, especially since we have obtained it for National Holocaust Day.

"The Student's Union has worked very hard in setting up the exhibition and hope that it will be a great success both within the University and the local community."

And Preston Borough Council has teamed up with the Harris Museum and Art Gallery to hold a special multi-cultural meal and exhibition.

Councillor Alan Hackett, Mayor of Preston, said: "I feel privileged to open this memorial event and hope the people of Preston will come and hear the speakers and listen to the voices of the young people of the town as they pledge their commitment to tolerance and understanding in the future."

The Harris Museum will host a series of talks on the day, and readings from the memories of holocaust survivors. Members of the 5th General Medical Support Regiment will also be on hand to relive their experiences of serving in Kosovo.

The University exhibition is in the Greenbank Building, Victoria Street, until Saturday, February 2 with displays open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, entry is free.

Holocaust Day at the Harris Museum, in Market Square, Preston, is on Sunday, January 27, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, and includes a remembrance service and readings.