A SERVICE to mark next year's Holocaust Memorial Day is to be staged in Darlington - and local people are being urged to play an important role.

Darlington Borough Council and The Northern Echo have joined forces to commemorate the occasion, which will have the theme "One Person Can Make a Difference".

The theme was chosen to follow on from last year's events, which focused on the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Europe from the Nazis.

To make the day a success, the council and The Northern Echo are looking for inspirational people from the area to take part in the service.

It will be held in the Dolphin Centre, in the town centre, on Thursday, January 26, at 2pm.

The service will celebrate people from all walks of life who have made a positive impact on their community.

As well as war veterans and their relatives - and the families of Holocaust victims and survivors - the service will be open to members of the public who have made a real difference to those around them.

Whether they have challenged bullying, worked voluntarily for the benefit of others in the town, or helped their neighbours, anyone who is valued by the wider community can be included in the service.

The Mayor of Darlington, Stella Robson, said: "It is important that we do not forget the terrible events of the Holocaust. So many people were victims - the disabled, mentally ill, Jewish people, trade unionists, political prisoners, Romanies and many more.

"The theme of this year's memorial day is 'One Person Can Make a Difference' and this ceremony will be a great opportunity for people to share their own experiences and come together to remember."

* If you, or anyone you know, would like to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and attend the service, write with information about how the nominated person has made a difference to their community to: Stuart Mackintosh, Holocaust Memorial Day, The Northern Echo newsroom, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF by Saturday, January 7.