Holocaust survivors and Jewish refugees gathered this week at an annual meeting in Radlett.

Broadcaster Esther Rantzen was the guest speaker at the Association of Jewish Refugees' (AJR) summer get-together on Tuesday, at the Radlett and Bushey Reform Synagogue, in Watling Street.

Around 125 AJR members from across Hertfordshire and London listened to Ms Rantzen speak about her experiences with Childline and also heard some behind-the-scenes gossip about her time on the television show Strictly Come Dancing.

But as well as a chance to enjoy the talk and socialise over lunch, the event was an opportunity for old friends and new acquaintances to share their experiences.

Eric Newman, of Elstree, was forced to move from Austria in 1939. He said: "We were a very large family but only myself and two of my cousins were survivors. When I arrived in England on January 13, 1939, I was only one of six boys left sitting on our suitcases at Liverpool Street station. No one came to pick us up so we were marched off by a Jewish welfare officer."

Having lived in Elstree for 15 years and with a wife of 56 years, three children and two grandchildren, 83-year-old Mr Newman still finds comfort in meeting with other people who have suffered similar pasts.

He added: "I joined AJR in 1995. I find it very interesting and enjoy meeting all these people. There are also lots of programmes and events that bring us together.

"But things like this have only come about in the last five to ten years because nobody used to want to talk about it."

The event was organised as part of the AJR's outreach programme, which provides social and welfare services to Jewish refugees of Nazi oppression.

Gordon Greenfield, AJR director, said: "We are delighted so many of our members, many coming for the first time, will have the opportunity to meet fellow survivors. We are also excited to hear from Esther Rantzen, who has such a close connection with the lives of our members."