RESIDENTS in Thurrock will one together to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day later this month.

On Monday, 27 January an hour-long service will be held at Palmer Memorial Gardens in High View Avenue, Grays, at 11am, to remember those who suffered in the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides.

A number of borough schools will give readings and prayers, alongside councillors, Reverend Canon Darren Barlow, Stephen Silverman from Campaign Against Antisemitism and Elliott Porte from the East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue.

The annual Holocaust Memorial Day event, which this year marks the 75th anniversary since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, is a day for young and old to condemn discrimination, and celebrate a tolerant and democratic society. This year's theme 'stand together' encourages communities to show solidarity with others facing prejudice.

Cllr Deborah Huelin, Cabinet Member for Communities and Central Services, said: "On Monday, 27 January, we mark Holocaust Memorial Day and two further important anniversaries: 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and 25 years since the genocide in Bosnia. This day is an opportunity to remember the consequences of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides to build a better future for the next generations.

"It is vital that we continue to reflect and commemorate as a community and support those facing hate, prejudice and persecution."

A ceremony held in London on Holocaust Memorial Day will also unveil a memorial flame created by East Tilbury stone masonry company Madstone LTD for the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust's 75 flames project. Madstone LTD put together the successful submission chosen as one of 75 flames to represent each year since the liberation of Auschwitz.