Poets in North Herts have been invited to submit poems to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27, 2023.

January 27 marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.

Each year, people across the world remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions of other people killed by the Nazis, and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Poets are invited to submit poems of up to 200 words, based around the theme of 'ordinary people'.

The poetry competition is in memory of local poet John Gohorry, who was a big supporter of Holocaust Memorial Day events until his death in 2021.

The winning poet will receive a £10 gift voucher for Next Page Books and be invited to read their poem at North Herts Council's event on January 27.

Cllr Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, leader of North Herts Council, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day provides an opportunity to remember everyone affected by the Holocaust and other terrible acts of genocide, and learn from the past – as well as the present.

“The late and much missed Cllr Judi Billing started our Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations.

"Judi had invited John Gohorry to be part of our commemorations in the past, and we hope local people get involved by submitting a poem or joining us online on the day.”

Poems can be submitted until January 12 by emailing community@north-herts.gov.uk.