The Mayor of Hertsmere has urged people to join together to remember the victims of genocide.

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day today, Hertsmere Borough Council is holding a candlelit parade through the streets at Borehamwood.

People will assemble outside WH Smith in the Boulevard Shopping Centre and make their way down Shenley Road to the Civic Offices.

During this time there will be temporary closures along Shenley Road, so drivers are being advised to avoid the area.

This is the first time a parade of this kind has been held to remember the victims of genocide in the town and Mayor Councillor Paul Morris hopes many people will come along.

He said: “Previously the borough council has carried out a private ceremony in the council offices to mark this occasion.

“This is the first time we have involved the public this way. It is important we all come together to remember victims of genocide, not just in the Holocaust but in our own lifetimes.

“People are worried about traffic, but disruptions will only be for a short time.”

The parade will be followed by a ceremony in the Ark Theatre in Thrift Farm Lane from 6.30pm.

It will bring together local secondary schools, youth groups, councillors and religious leaders and will include a two-minute silence.

There will also be speeches from the Mayor and the Leader of the Council Morris Bright, videos giving information about the Holocaust, survivor stories and musical performances.