A series of events have taken place in Epping Forest to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

Holocaust Memorial Day is held annually on January 27 as this is the anniversary of the day in 1945 when the Soviet Army liberated the largest Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau.

It also remember the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution of other groups and in genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Epping Forest town hall was lit in purple with the council marking the day under the theme 'One Day' - survivors of the Holocaust and of genocide often talk about the One Day when everything changed, sometimes for the worse and sometimes for better.

Those who were targeted and persecuted held out for the One Day in the future when all their suffering would be over, hoping they would "all see the day of liberation".

Epping Forest District Council chairman Cllr Helen Kane recorded a message to mark the important date.

Meanwhile Conservative parish councillor Gavin Chambers-Bagshaw hosted a virtual event which was attended by 50 people including Rabbi Odom Brandman, who is based in Buckhurst Hill.

Cllr Chambers-Bagshaw, who is a founding member of the Epping Forest Holocaust Memorial Trust, said: "The day is about remembering the dreadful atrocities that occurred and making sure that the memory of those who suffered is kept alive."

Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment and paid tribute to the Holocaust survivors who "work tirelessly to educate young people today".

Epping Forest Guardian: Dame Eleanor Laing MPDame Eleanor Laing MP

Dame Eleanor, who also attended the House of Common Speaker's Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony in Parliament, added: "Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from Epping Forest to reflect on the darkest times of European history.

"As the Holocaust moves from living history, to history, it becomes ever more important that we take the time to remember the six million Jewish victims and also pay tribute to the survivors."

And Epping Forest District Museum has released its Loughton Boys film which is a project highlights the local district story of Holocaust survivors who came to Epping Forest and started their journey to new lives.

The short film shows the parts of the project including a return to Holmehurst House where the boys originally stayed and the museum exhibition project.