A community will come together once again to remember the Holocaust in Dorchester.

The South West Multicultural Network is hosting its 13th annual Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday, January 26 at the Corn Exchange on High East Street between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

This year's theme is the power of words, and will explore how language has been used in the past and how it is used in the present day.

In 2015, the HMD theme was ‘keep the memory alive’ as it marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birken-au, and in 2017 the theme "how can life go on?" reflected on the aftermath of the atrocity.

The Network says it hopes this year’s event will be the ‘biggest yet.’

Cllr Stella Jones, West Dorset District Council spokesman for equalities, said: “This service is an opportunity for everyone to come together and remember the victims of these tragedies.

“I would encourage residents and visitors to take the time to join in with these memorial events and pay their respects.”

The programme includes Harry Grenville, a resident and Holocaust survivor, presentations by local schools including Thomas Hardye and Sunninghill, poems and music.

There will be a minute's silence and the lighting of candles. The Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Susie Hosford, and the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Mr Angus Campbell, will be in attendance as well as local councillors, residents, community groups and organisations.

Angela Sibley, chairman of the Network’s Holocaust Memorial Day committee, said: “This is a time to reflect on those who were killed and persecuted during the Holocaust and other genocides. We hope to encourage young people to understand everyone’s responsibility in trying to prevent a repetition of such atrocities."

The free event will be followed by free refreshments, and all are welcome to attend. The Corn Exchange will open from midday to allow time to view exhibits before the event commences.