St Helens Council has today marked Holocaust Memorial Day with a moving ceremony at the town hall attended by schools, religious representatives from across the borough, councillors and many others.

Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet member for Public Health, Leisure and Libraries, introduced the event and spoke passionately about what the day means. He says: “I was honoured to attend and take part in this important service of remembrance at StHelens Town Hall. Today is a chance to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our own personal and collective commitment to peace, understanding, and working together.

I would like to thank the schools who attended, particularly pupils from Haydock High, Rainhill High, Cowley, and De La Salle who performed so brilliantly, Councillor Geoff Pearl, and to all the staff, partners and public who made the event possible and so special.”

Council Leader David Baines says: “This is a very important day and I was honoured to attend and take part. Alongside pupils from across the borough and Mayor Councillor Janet Johnson I lit a candle of remembrance, and signed a book of commemoration pledging to remember the victims of genocide and to stand together against hatred.”