A MOVING and poignant tribute was held to mark the borough's annual Holocaust Memorial Day.

More than 200 people attended a memorial event at the Longfield Suite in Prestwich to remember the thousands of people who lost their lives during the Holocaust.

Organised by Bury Council, the event's theme was "One Person Can Make A Difference" and was held to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.

The day also aimed to raise awareness and understanding of the Holocaust as a continuing issue of fundamental importance for all humanity.

Opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Coun Steve Treadgold and his wife Jean, the event was attended by local dignitaries and representatives from a variety of faiths, including Rabbi Guttentag and the Bishop of Bolton, Rev David Gillett. Both men delivered keynote speeches on human atrocities and focused on a time for unity and peace. Also present were the leaders of all three political parties representing Bury Council, who signed a statement of committment which will go on display at the town hall.

In signing the statement, Coun Wayne Campbell, Coun Wilf Davison and Coun Bob Bibby made a pledge to ensure that the victims of the Holocaust, and of all genocide, are never forgotten and that the causes and consequences of the atrocity are understood by future generations.

They also acknowledged mankind's shared responsibility in fighting against genocide, anti-semitism, racism, xenophobia and all other types of discrimination.

A significant part of the Memorial Day involved local schoolchildren and those present performed memorable tributes to victims of Holocaust.

Pupils from St Gabriel's RC High School in Bury enchanted the audience with haunting songs to commemorate the victims, while students from Prestwich Arts College had composed a dance to music from the film "The Pianist". Following the day's events, Karen Phillips, from Manchester Jewish Federation, sent a message of thanks to those who took part.

She said: "It was very moving to see young people who aren't from the Community, putting energy into getting the message across and linking it to current issues."

Coun Maggie Gibb, executive member for children and young people, added: "The children were a real credit to our community and performed beautifully. Their involvement in this event is a meaningful step towards ending discrimination of all types."

l Pupils at King David Junior School held their own tributes as part of Holocaust Memorial Day.

The school held a special assembly and invited Holocaust survivor Shalom Goldblatt, from Prestwich, to speak about his experiences. Mr Goldblatt was only a baby when his parents decided to walk to freedom in Russia.