BURNLEY re-affirmed its commitment to providing a fair and just society, free from discrimination, harassment and violence, as town leaders gathered for the first Holocaust Memorial Day service.

The declaration was delivered by Burnley's first Asian mayor Coun Rafique Malik as more than 100 people gathered for the service in St Peter's Parish Church.

He said no-one in Burnley should suffer discrimination, be disadvantaged or discriminated against in any way because of their race, religion or culture.

Also taking part in the service were the new Bishop of Burnley, Canon John Goddard, Burnley Rector the Rev Quentin Wilson, Dean Denis Dwyer of St Philip's RC Church, Padiham, Imam Mohammad Sajid Hashmi, the Rev Andy Williams, chairman of he Churches Together in central Burnley, the Rev Sally Thomas of Burnley and Nelson United Reformed Church and MP Peter Pike, who called on the congregation to remember the price which had to be paid to preserve freedom.

Council, police and judicial leaders along with local organisation representaties including East Lancashire Hindu Society, Rosehill Townswomen's Guild and the local Anti-Nazi League.

A collection was held during the service for the 2nd Generation at Manchester, a group which helps Holocaust victims and their families and for 45 Aid Society for Holocaust education run by camp survivors.

After the service people moved to the town centre war memorial in the Peace Garden where prayers were led by Rabbi David Braunald of Blackpool United Hebrew Congregation.

The mayor and Rabbi Braunald led the laying of wreaths.

Wreaths were also laid by the head boy and girl of Towneley High School, Fahim Hussain and Charlotte O'Horo and deputy head girl Tammy Unsworth and by St John's School, Padiham, representing the youth of the borough.