ABOUT 200 people – including dozens of schoolchildren – attended a Holocaust memorial event in a North-East town.

The event, at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, was the 13th annual event of its type in the town and marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by Allied forces in January 1945.

Deanna van der Velde, of the Association of Jewish Refugees, attended the event, which included readings, music and prayers.

Darlington Borough Council leader Bill Dixon, who was also present, said: “This is always a very moving ceremony and this year was no different.

“The tone was just right – it was reverent without being over sombre.

“It was really pleasing to see so many young people there and so many schools supporting the event.

“The children doing plays and singing was a nice touch.”