SEVENTY candles were lit across the UK on Tuesday to mark 70th anniversary of liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Trafford joined in the commemorations by lighting a candle designed by Sir Anish Kapoor at the Waterside Arts Centre.

The candle was lit by the sons of Holocaust survivor Chaim Ferster on Holocaust Memorial Day.

People from all generations came together to honour victims of Nazi tyranny and subsequent genocides, with pupils from six of the borough's secondary schools performing pieces of drama and music at the Waterside.

They were chosen from hundreds of applications sent to the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

The event was organised by Trafford Council and deputy leader, Councillor Michael Young, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important focal point in the year and we are delighted to have been chosen to be part of this nationwide commemoration. It is vital that we remember and reflect upon the horrors of the past, honour the memory of those who perished and learn from the stories of those who survived”.

Olivia Marks-Woldman, chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, said: “Sir Anish Kapoor created a beautiful candle to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz."