CROWDS gathered together in Weymouth to pay their respects and remember the lives lost in the Holocaust.

A memorial service was held by the Holocaust Tree planted in Radipole Park Gardens to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

The service was hosted by Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Cllr Kate Wheller and there were readings from Reverend Tim Gomm and Barbara Cohen of the South West Dorset Multicultural Network.

Cllr Wheller said: “I think it’s terrific to see so many people, I think this is the best turnout we have had ever had for the Holocaust service and whether that is because of recent events or that it is the 70th anniversary, I’m not sure, but it is very gratifying to see so many people here and it was a very moving service as always.”

Rev. Tim Gomm led the service and said he was very pleased with the turnout.

“I think it is fantastic, I think the number of people here shows the growing intensity of the need to support other minorities in our community, so I think this is wonderful.

“It’s great because I know actually, a lot of people here are not Jewish, but they are right across the whole community.

“I think it is. I think gone are the days where we’re sort of competing. I think it’s also more than just faith I think its actually a growing acknowledgement that we’re all together and that actually people shouldn’t be in isolation but should be working and living together and creating community.

“Just looking at people now, they’re not wondering off straight away, they’re staying around and having a nice chat with each other and I think that’s what it is all about really.

The South West Dorset Multicultural Network have also organised a free event on Friday, January 30 at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester from 12.30pm-1.30pm.

There will be a range of speakers including the Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill and Harry Grenville who came to the UK from Germany as part of the Kindertransport.

They will be speaking about the experiences of people during the Holocaust and reminding us of our duty to keep the memory alive. All are welcome to attend and free refreshments will be served.