PUPILS at a North-East school will lead a Holocaust memorial service at their school today.

The students from Carmel Technology College, in Darlington, will join millions of people across the country as they commemorate the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest and most notorious of the Nazi concentration camps.

Representatives from various religious and community groups have been invited to the service at the school's site, in The Headlands, Darlington.

Pupils from the school have put together a presentation of music and readings that will offer those attending the chance to show their respect for the survivors of Nazi persecution and the victims of mass murder.

The service will also focus on more modern examples of persecution, including the violence in Darfur, Sudan and the murder of Damilola Taylor, in the UK.

Mark Simms, teacher at the college and co-ordinator of the presentation, said: "We always mark the Holocaust Memorial Day and this year we are delighted to have been asked to produce this ceremony on behalf of the local authority."

The service starts at 1.30pm and is open to the public. Everyone is welcome to attend.