THERE can be few lessons more important than making young people aware of the Holocaust , a devastating period in history which took place not that long ago, not far from the country they live in when ordinary people across Europe became complicit in the murder of their neighbours.

In fact the University College London's (UCL) Centre for Holocaust Education asks "what will young people's education amount to if they do not confront this appalling truth".

Now one school in Bolton has been recognised for its teaching of this period in history in which millions were killed.

Turton School in Bromley Cross has been celebrated as a UCL Beacon School for its commitment to teaching and learning about the Holocaust.

It is only one of a handful of schools to be awarded the status and will work with other schools in the area.

Beacon School Lead Teacher, Scott Tithers said: "Studying the Holocaust is about studying people, real-life individuals caught up in the destruction of the Nazi regime. It is this human element and the individual narrative that compels our students to want to know more and explore why this happened. This is key to our study of the Holocaust with our Year Nine students.

"The complex questions that accompany a study of the Holocaust encourage our students to think critically about important issues and values not only within the historical context of the Holocaust, but also in contemporary society. I am delighted to be working with UCL Centre for Holocaust Education to develop our teaching and learning for Holocaust education.

"Through our collaboration we are able to offer Turton students the chance to confront and challenge perceptions, showing them that through critical thinking and questioning they can make a vast difference to their lives and the area in which they live."

MP Sir David Crausby visited the school to find out more about the school's participation in the beacon programme and he heard from pupils about the importance of learning about the Holocaust.

Mr Tithers said: " This status reflects the confidence that UCL has in the school with regard to the quality of the education it provides and its commitment to developing students’ understanding of the Holocaust."

As part of the award Mr Tither will receive training by UCL and the Institute of Education.

Headteacher Sam Gorse said: "Scott has inspired teachers and students with his passions and ambitions for Holocaust education and having the privilege of seeing some of the work that students have completed, I am amazed by their knowledge and the depth of their insights and compassion."