NEARLY 300 pupils at South Craven School have heard testimony from a survivor of the worst genocide of modern times.

Marc Schatzberger, a survivor of the Holocaust, met 284 year nine students from South Craven School, as part of a visit organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET).

His testimony was followed by a question and answer session to enable students to better understand the nature of the Holocaust and to explore its lessons in more depth.

Martyn Hill, head of school at South Craven, said: “It is a privilege for us to welcome Marc Schatzberger to our school and his testimony will remain a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced.

"We're grateful to the Holocaust Educational Trust for co-ordinating the visit. We hope that by hearing Marc’s testimony, it will encourage our students to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and make a positive difference in their own lives.”

Karen Pollock, chief executive of HET, added: "We educate and engage students from across the UK, from all communities about the Holocaust, and there can be no better way than through the first-hand story of a survivor.

"Marc’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by listening to him, students will have the opportunity to learn where prejudice and racism can ultimately lead.

“At the trust, we impart the history of the Holocaust to young people, to ensure we honour the memory of those whose lives were lost and take forward the lessons taught by those who survived.”