A SERVICE to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi concentration camp was held at St John's Church, Taunton.

Annie Maw, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, and Taunton Mayor Cllr Francesca Smith laid a wreath.

Community representatives lit candles to show support for embracing diversity and dispelling the darkness caused by discrimination, oppression, ignorance and prejudice.

A two-minute silence was observed.

A representative from Avon and Somerset Police spoke on 'Hate Crime in Somerset', while students from Wellington School told their story of the visit they made to Auschwitz, and a poem was read by a student from Queens' College.

Music was provided by the Somerset County Council choir Canticle, together with a quartet of local musicians who played the tune from Schindler's List.

Leonard Daniels spoke of his family's history and connection with the Holocaust.

The Rev Jane Eastell, of St John's, closed the service by thanking everyone for their attendance and invited them to lay a pebble, a Jewish custom at the burial of the dead, and to sign the Book of Commitment.