HUNDREDS of people from across Redbridge came together yesterday (Tuesday) to pay their respects to the victims of genocide in the 20th century, as part of Holocaust Memorial Day.

Crowds gathered at a number of events around the borough to light candles, listen to speeches and mark the day in silent contemplation, in memory of those killed during the Nazi massacre of World War Two.

The day was also used to mark more recent genocides such as those committed in Rwanda and Bosnia during the 1990s.

During a ceremony at the Holocaust memorial garden in Valentines Park, Ilford, speakers including Dr Mohammaed Fahim, Imam of South Woodford Mosque, Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin from the Chabad Lubavitch Centre, and council leader Alan Weinberg, spoke about the importance of the day and of the need to fight prejudice and hate in modern-day Redbridge.

At Jewish faith school King Solomon High in Barkingside, pupils teamed up with youngsters from Wanstead High to light candles and listen to a variety of speakers.

There was also a special photography exhibition showing images of a recent visit by pupils to Auschwitch concentration camp in Poland.