VICTIMS of The Holocaust have been remembered at a special ceremony today (Monday).

A memorial candle was lit in the council chamber of Stevenage Borough Council after communities across the UK marked Holocaust Memorial Day on Sunday.

The annual remembrance day honours all those who died in The Holocaust as the result of Nazi persecution of Jews, and coincides with the anniversary of the liberation of concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.

It also provides a chance to remember those who have lost their lives in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Members of the Stevenage community gathered today for an event organised by the borough council and supported by the North Herts Liberal Jewish Community.

The mayor of Stevenage John Lloyd and his guests were joined at the ceremony by borough council leader Sharon Taylor, the high sheriff of Hertfordshire Arabella Stuart-Smith and religious leaders.

Cllr Lloyd said: “We’re delighted to have so many people here today to mark this important day.

“It’s right to remember those that have been lost in the atrocities of The Holocaust and other genocides and this event was a chance to honour them and promote the town’s strong sense of community.”

Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland supported Holocaust Memorial Day by signing a book of commitment in the House of Commons.

“I welcome the opportunity to pay tribute to those who perished during The Holocaust,” he said.

“Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity to remember the victims of The Holocaust and subsequent genocides. I will continue to support communities who are working together against prejudice and intolerance.”