THE Guildhall in Worcester was filled this morning (January 27) as residents, councillors and guests joined to pay their respects to the victims of the holocaust.

The moving event, held on Holocaust Memorial Day was themed around standing together, and explored how genocidal regimes throughout history marginalise certain groups and how these tactics can be challenged by standing together as a community.

Visitors heard addresses from the Mayor of Worcester Allah Ditta and holocaust survivor Mindu Hornick MBE.

Ms Hornick, 90, was born in Czechoslovakia and survived both Auschwitz-Birkenau and a slave labour facility during the Second World War.

She has spent the last two decades educating audiences, especially young people, about the dangers of intolerance and growing levels of Islamophobia and anti-semitism in the world.

READ MORE: "Auschwitz trip was an experience I will never forget"

She was recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours List for her services to Holocaust education and commemoration, working closely with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and Anne Frank’s Trust.

The event was organised by the Worcestershire Interfaith Forum with support from Worcester City Council and Platform Housing.

This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemorates both the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the 25th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

Cllr Ditta said: “On Holocaust Memorial Day we remember those who have lost their lives across the globe as a result of hatred and intolerance.

"It is also an opportunity to reflect on the actions which brought about that loss and to redouble our resolve to ensure this never happens again.”

Several schools in the area also took part in the event, including Christopher Whitehead and Nunnery Wood High School