Holocaust survivors joined dignitaries and schoolchildren at service that marked the harrowing atrocities of genocide across the world.

The Holocaust Memorial Day service at the London Jewish Cultural Centre (LGCC) in Golders Green on Sunday marked one of the most important events on the centre’s calendar.

Director of marketing Mandy King said the annual event remains an important reminder of what happened to the Jewish people in the Second World War.

She said: “All genocides are beyond belief and the mass murder of human beings has to be remembered.

“It is not just about the Jewish memorial, it is a remembrance of all genocides around the world. It marks the unbelievable capacity of humans to try and wipe out his fellow man.

“This year’s theme was about building bridges but, as was said at the service, it is not just about building them, we have to cross them too.”

Among the special guest speakers at the North End Road centre was the minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt MP, and Barnet Mayor Brian Schama.

Choirs from Nancy Reuben Primary School, in Hendon, and Clore Shalom School, in Shenley, sang at the service while pupils from Oakington Manor School, in Wembley, lit candles.

Ms King added: “The service is a commemoration for the survivors we work with who go on telling the stories that are so powerful today.

“It is so important that we acknowledge and honour the people that died.”