SIX hundreds candles will be lit in a poignant act of commemoration for Holocaust Memorial Day.

The candles will fill the Chapter House at York Minster on January 26 as the cathedral plays its part in the global act or remembrance,

The commemoration will start with a dedicated Evensong service followed by a procession to the Chapter House for the lighting of the 600 candles which will be set out on the floor to form the Star of David.

Representatives from the Jewish community, refugee support groups, interfaith groups and community organisations will be present for the event which will include readings, music and prayers, interspersed with silence for quiet reflection.

The Minster’s Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Dr Chris Collingwood said: “The Holocaust and other genocidal events such as Rwanda in 1994, leave behind them a trail of suffering which continues for years.

“The shattering terrorist attacks of 2016 and continuing conflicts and religious persecution in Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen and elsewhere provide bleak reminders of human cruelty and our inability to learn from history.

“However, time and again, nations, communities, families and individuals demonstrate astonishing courage, resilience and a remarkable capacity for forgiveness.”

The Evensong in the Quire will be at 5.15pm followed at 6pm by a procession into the Chapter House for the 600 candles commemoration.