The victims of the Holocaust were remembered yesterday at a special church service in Norwich.

The annual event to mark the day when Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau – the largest network of concentration camps – were liberated took place at St Peter Mancroft Church, starting at 11am.

The congregation gathered to mark the occasion at a service organised by the Council of Christians and Jews and supported by the vicar of St Peter Mancroft, Canon Peter Nokes, who led the prayers.

Canon Nokes said: 'At this important annual service we recall the horrific atrocities of the Holocaust in the sense of marking an historical event.

'But we also recall those events in the present to reaffirm our determination to strive for a world in which the evil and bigotry and violence is overcome by the giving of dignity and respect to all people.'

The service was attended by the MP for Norwich North Chloe Smith and Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Jenny Lay, who welcomed people as they entered the church.

Miss Smith said: 'I am proud that Norwich plays its connected part in important commemoration.'

Mrs Lay said: 'We all have a responsibility in our communities to promote equal respect for each other, regardless of age, origin or belief.

'Our society is built on the understanding that all individuals are of equal worth.

'Let us remember our duty, be aware of discrimination and not just walk by.'

Norwich South MP Simon Wright has signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, pledging his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who died during the Holocaust.

Photos: Steve Adams