HUNDREDS of people gathered at the Holocaust Memorial Stone in Kidderminster on Sunday to remember the millions killed in the horrific genocide.

Wyre Forest residents, councillors, politicians, dignitaries and religious leaders joined together outside St Mary and All Saints Parish Church to pay their respects.

This year’s service, co-ordinated by Wyre Forest District Councillor Fran Oborski who is Polish Honorary Consul for the West Midlands, marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.

Councillor Oborski said: “Sunday's Holocaust Memorial Commemoration was the best attended yet with over 600 people attending.

“We were particularly pleased to once again see Loree Napier, who came to UK on the Kindertransport, and her family with us.

“Once again they followed the Polish tradition of placing pebbles on the Memorial Stone.”

The service included a reading of the Holocaust Pledge by Ian Miller, chief executive of Wyre Forest District Council and Councillor Oborski outlined the details of the Liberation of Auschwitz and the Auschwitz Calendar between 1939 and 1945.

District MP Mark Garnier also spoke about the dangers facing the country today from those who seek to divide society by blaming specific groups, such as immigrants, for anything which goes wrong.

Mr Garnier said: “It was an extremely moving day with a very poignant service.

“It was good to see we’re getting more people supporting the commemoration as we are getting to a stage where there are less and less holocaust survivors around.

“I am also very grateful for Fran Oborski, who organises the service each year.”

Prayers were led by representatives of the Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Polish Catholic and Jewish communities, while a wreath of white flowers, in memory of child victims of the Holocaust, was laid at by pupils from King Charles 1 School.

All those in attendance were also requested to bring a flower to lay at the memorial stone.

Click here for more pictures from the Holocaust Memorial Commemoration.