Residents of Hertsmere are invited to a candlelit parade and ceremony that will take place later this month to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

The Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Paul Morris OBE, has changed the usual programme of the annual event, which will take place on Monday, January 27, previously held at the Civic Offices, to draw more attention to the occasion.

The hope is that around 150 people will form a parade led by the Mayor, to walk from Borehamwood Shopping Park along Shenley Road carrying candlelit lanterns. The parade will end at The Ark Theatre where a ceremony will take place with local secondary schools, youth groups, councillors and religious leaders.

The ceremony will include a two-minute silence and speeches from the Mayor and Leader of the Council, Morris Bright.

Mayor Cllr Morris said: "The parade and ceremony are being held as part of international memorial events as an opportunity for people to pause to remember the millions of people who have been affected by the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

"We’re fortunate in the UK that we are not at risk of genocide but we must work together to challenge and eradicate all forms of discrimination, racism and hatred and Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity to make a stand.

"We are also lucky in Hertsmere that we have diverse and happy communities where the majority of people are tolerant of others and their beliefs. The strongest communities are those that celebrate differences and where there is respect for all."

The parade will start at 6pm.