CANDLES were lit and children sang during a Holocaust memorial service in Borehamwood, this morning.

The annual Holocaust Memorial Day was attended by faith figures from across the community, councillors, schoolchildren and Borehamwood Com.unity choir.

For the first time, it was held inside Hertsmere Borough Council’s offices, in Elstree Way, and included a short film called the Legacy of Hope.

Borough council leader Morris Bright said: “Today we had a room filled with different religions and from different places. It's important to remember it wasn’t just Jewish people but black, gay and also some Christians who were killed during the Holocaust."

Chel Revens, from the Com.unity choir, performed two numbers including the pop songs From a Distance and Something Inside So Strong.

She said: “I found the inside service was better, as it is often difficult to hear with the noise of the traffic. The songs reflected peace and hope and were very emotional for us to do.

“To think of the reality of what happened is terrible. It must be very hard for the schoolchildren to imagine what it was like, but we all hope nothing like this ever happens again.”

Cllr Bright said: “There is a positive message about hope through this day. It is most important for schoolchildren who have third-hand accounts from television or lessons. What they take away from today and what they learn is of great importance.”

Rabbi Natan Levy, Reverend Richard Leslie, Rabbi Naftali Brawer, Kripa Moya from Bhaktivedanta Manor and Niki Igbaroola, from St Margaret’s School, in Bushey, read out a statement of commitments as candles were lit.

Kripa Moya said: “It is extremely important to remember what humans are capable of doing and for each generation to remember the atrocities. We have to dedicate ourselves to living in harmony.

“Holocaust Memorial Day says the past is terrible and the future can be much happier."