Candles were lit to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz at a special Holocaust Memorial Day service at the weekend.

A service at Guildhall in Kingston paid tribute to those who lost their lives in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.

Community members including Rashid Laher from Kingston Interfaith Forum and Josh Whatsize, Kingston University’s youth ambassador for the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, were among guest speakers.

A minute’s silence was also held and a children’s choir sang on the day.

Reverend Andrew Williams, Kingston University’s faith advisor who organised the memorial service, said: "We had an overwhelming turnout - three times the usual turnout.

"It was a very special occasion and it was extremely moving."

Surrey Comet:

Community members hold candles at the service 

Surrey Comet:

The minute's silence at the Guildhall 

Deputy mayor Cathy Roberts handed out prizes to schoolchildren who took part in the Keeping the Memory Alive art competition.

Holocaust survivors have also been speaking to children about their experiences for the 70th anniversary of Auschwitz.

Surrey Comet:

Reverend Andrew Williams addresses those present 

Kingston Liberal Synagogue and Kingston and Surbiton District Synagogue have been opening their doors up for a series of workshops in the past two weeks.

Survivors have spoken to students from six Kingston schools, as well as two from Elmbridge and a group of PGCE students from the University of Roehampton.