A POLISH man who survived the Holocaust shared his story with pupils at a North-East secondary school yesterday.

Zygmunt Shipper visited St John’s RC School and Sixth Form Centre, in Bishop Auckland, as part of the school’s preparations to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, which is on Thursday, January 27.

Mr Shipper, who was imprisoned in Auschwitz from 1944 to 1945 when he was a child, captivated pupils with his life story and took part in a question and answer session. He was also presented with a cake to mark his 81st birthday, which is today.

Jo Hopper, citizenship coordinator at the school, said: “We are so grateful to him for sharing with us something which had such a profound impact on his own life and the whole world.

“The passion with which he spoke against hatred and racism have been inspirational.”

Catherine Storey, a year 13 student who met Mr Shipper during a trip to Auschwitz with the Holocaust Educational Trust last year, said: “He is an inspiration to everyone and a magnificent ambassador to the millions who never got to tell their story.”