A SIXTH form hall was packed to capacity for a commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day.

The ceremony, held at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington on January 28 and organised by Celebrating Communities, featured students Lucy Jameson, Ami Lavan, Eleanor Wright and Kion Sharma who spoke about their recent visit to Auschwitz.

They were followed by students Zainab Miah, who recited a poem named Auschwitz Today, and Joe Kearney, who provided music on his violin. An installation was also created for the evening by the sixth form’s art students.

Organiser Councillor Gerald Lee said: “I was very proud of all who took part in this year’s Holocaust Memorial ceremony, particularly the students who had to get their minds around such a difficult subject and yet they performed with so much confidence and passion.

“I was also impressed with the work of the art students – given only a few weeks to come up with their interpretation on the theme, ‘Torn from Home’, they produced an incredible array of work which many of the audience asked me to pass on their comments of appreciation.

“I would like to thank all of the students who took part, members from Celebrating Communities, the staff of the college for all of the help they gave and the Rev Andy Bryer who lead the ceremony so well.”