RESIDENTS in Bromsgrove are being asked to join the district council and unite in prayer later this month to remember those who suffered during the Holocaust.

Arrangements have been made for the second Holocaust Memorial Service to be held at the Spadesbourne Suite in Burcot Lane in Bromsgrove on Sunday, January 27.

The civic service - held in conjunction with Churches Together in Bromsgrove - will start at 3pm.

Bromsgrove District Council chairman, Cllr Mike Gill (Con, Woodvale), said: "Sunday, January 27, has been nominated as Holocaust Day to ensure that crimes against humanity committed during the Holocaust are never forgotten and that its relevance for each new generation is understood.

"We held our first service last year and we were proud and pleased that so many people joined us for the special ceremony of worship and remembrance.

"I hope even more people will join me and my colleagues this year," added Cllr Gill.

The service will last for 45 minutes and is open to all faiths and also those with no specific faith commitment.

The invitation to attend has been sent to many local organisations including the Royal British Legion, Burma Star Association, parish councils and schools.

The district council is one of many local authorities throughout the country, together with numerous organisations and individuals, marking the special day.