People gathered in silent vigils across Craven to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on Saturday.

Vigils in Skipton, organised by Craven District of Sanctuary, and in Settle organised by Settle Quakers, were well attended. Both stressed the importance of remembrance, of coming together and of the fragility of freedom.

Holocaust Memorial Day is held every year on January 27, marking the anniversary of the liberation in 1945 of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp where more than one million children, women and men were murdered. More than six million Jewish people were killed in the holocaust of World War Two along with Roma, gay and disabled people and dissidents.

A time of silence was included during the Craven vigils for people to reflect on conflicts across the world. An event, including some student art work, was also held at Craven College for staff and students.

People were also invited to place candles in their windows at home to show they were also remembering atrocities.

Skipton Town Hall and Glusburn Institute were lit up in the colours recommended by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust was set up to make sure these events are not forgotten. The trust says: “ Holocaust Memorial Day is the day for everyone to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur”.

It adds: “ Together we bear witness for those who endured genocide, and honour the survivors and all those whose lives were changed beyond recognition”.