Wreaths will be laid at Lowestoft railway station this week as part of an annual ceremony to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.

A poignant service will be held this Wednesday, January 27, as the Mayor of Lowestoft, Stephen Ardley, and the chairman of Waveney District Council, Bruce Provan, both lay wreaths at the station on behalf of the council.

Members of Waveney Youth Council will also lay a wreath on behalf of Waveney's young people, before a moment of reflection is led by Capt. Paul McDonough.

Mr Ardley said: 'Holocaust Memorial Day offers an opportunity for reflection and remembrance, as well as educating our young people about the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

'The wreath-laying ceremony is open to everyone and I hope to see it well supported.'

The service is held at the station each year in recognition of the 200 Jewish child refugees who arrived there in December 1938.

Wreaths are laid at the station to recognise the arrival of a 'kindertransport' train, which carried the Jewish children who had been evacuated from Nazi Europe. The children were billeted at a number of places including Pontins in Pakefield and St Felix School in Southwold.

The theme for this year's Holocaust Memorial Day is 'Don't Stand By', as the Holocaust and subsequent genocides were enabled by the silence of bystanders who were afraid to speak out.

The wreath-laying ceremony starts at 10.30am and is open to all.

Have you got a Lowestoft story? Email mark.boggis@archant.co.uk