MORE than 50 members of all different faiths congregated outside Blackburn Town Hall to pay their respects at a Holocaust memorial service.

Thoughts and prayers were read by Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Christian leaders at the ceremony, organised by the multi-faith Interfaith Council.

Old and young from across the religious spectrum stood together in remembrance of the Holocaust with this year's theme One person can make a difference.' The Mayor of Blackburn, Coun Yusuf Jan-Virmani thanked the crowds who listened to readings on the steps of the town hall before candles were lit as a gesture of peace, unity and hope for the future.

Renee Black representing the Jewish faith, Madhubala Pandya representing the Hindu faith, Canon Christopher Chivers representing the Christian faith, Mohammed Khaliq representing the Musilm faith and Joginder Bhamra representing the Sikh faith and chair of the interfaith council, all stood to speak.

Leader of the council Kate Hollern and the Dean of Blackburn, the Very Rev Christopher Armstrong, also paid their respects at the event at 2pm yesterday.

The Interfaith Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council message was read out to complete the service: "We are united in repudiating racism, hatred and prejudice and in working towards racial and religious equality in all areas of life."