TWO Tavistock College sixth form students made a journey earlier this month that will no doubt stick in their memory for life.

To commemorate the 71st anniversary on May 20 of the opening of the notorious Second World War death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland, Kit Tigwell and Ed Wilkins were invited earlier this year to visit as part of the 'Lessons from Auschwitz' project organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust.

The trust organises this experience each year for students and teachers across the country, running seminars to educate participants about the Holocaust in greater depth.

The pair, both aged 18, said it was a privilege to go and visited the town of Oswiecim where Auschwitz was built, during a trip that included a tour of the Jewish cemetery.

Ed and Kit said: 'While it was still difficult to relate to what had gone on at Auschwitz while we were there, the visit was very powerful and thought provoking.

'It was shocking to stand in the places where so many had been murdered and reflect on the enormity of the genocide.

'The most memorable experience was walking down the iconic train tracks at Birkenau as the sun set, each carrying a candle to remember those killed for no other reason than being different.

'We also had the profound experience of hearing the testimony of Holocaust survivor Zigi Shipper, who left us with some important messages that we want to relate the community.

'It is easy when studying the Holocaust to forget that everyone involved — victims, perpetrators and bystanders — were individual people from across Europe and that behind each name is a unique life and story.

'Zigi also stressed the importance of challenging prejudice and injustice in our own communities, however inconvenient, and ensure that we really do learn from the lessons of history.'

Following their experience Ed and Kit are taking assemblies in college to raise awareness of the trust.

Anyone who would like to find out more can visit the Trust website at http://www.het.org.uk">www.het.org.uk