A PLAY based on Adolf Hitler's writings will be staged in Darlington later this month as part of this year's events to mark the second national Holocaust Memorial Day, on January 27.

Last year was the first time a country-wide commemoration was organised to coincide with the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Concentration Camp.

The aims of the national day are to provide a national mark of respect for all victims of Nazi persecution, to raise awareness and understanding of the Holocaust, and to reflect on recent atrocities which have raised similar issues of intolerance.

Darlington Borough Council has worked with representatives from a number of groups in the town, including the Jewish community, the gay community, disability groups and asylum seekers to organise a service.

The multi-faith service will be held in the Dolphin Centre's main hall, on January 27, at 3pm.

A spokesman for the council said: "We have contacted all those people who were involved in last year's event and hope many more will become involved this year.

"Everyone, whatever their faith or beliefs, are welcome. This is about inclusion, and we want as many people as possible there."

The play, called Adolf, will be staged at the Arts Centre two days later, on January 29.

It has been designed to educate school groups but will also appeal to a wider audience.

Playwright Pip Utton plays Hitler in the production, which is based on the Nazi leader's writings in Mein Kampf and Table Talk and explores what might have driven him to commit atrocities.

The play has been a hit at three Edinburgh Festivals and is one of the major pieces to be staged at the Arts Centre this season.

Peter Cutchie, head of theatre and the arts in Darlington, said: "This is a very challenging piece and will connect into the Holocaust commemoration that will be taking place elsewhere in the town.

"There will be a special schools performance in the afternoon and then another one in the evening for a wider audience.

"Darlington has one of the best arts centres in the country and that is thanks to productions like Adolf."