STUDENTS were introduced to the horrors of fascism in the Second World War on a trip to Poland.

The party of 25 students from Upper Wharfedale school and parents, spent three bitingly cold days in February experiencing the country’s rich heritage and culture.

They set off to Liverpool airport in the middle of the night which allowed the group to land early in Krakow to begin their adventure late morning.

The group visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp set up in 1940 for Polish political prisoners and then later as a concentration death camp where more than a million Jewish people were murdered by the Nazis. They were accompanied by head of history John Mitton.

He said: “We began with a guided tour around the Kazimierz quarter of the city where our hotel was located.

“This was the old Jewish district of the city made famous in the film Schindler’s List. We visited several sites that were featured in the film.

“The group also had an interesting visit to a three hundred year-old synagogue.

“Later on we went to the UNESCO salt mines World Heritage Site where we plunged hundreds of feet underground and explored several miles of tunnels and vast caverns – an awe inspiring experience for all!”

Following a “fantastic” dinner in an Israeli restaurant in the city the group enjoyed downtime during an evening of bowling before returning to their hotel.

Next day saw was the main event, a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau camp.

“The students experienced an emotional and, at times, harrowing visit They saw for themselves the places where the victims of the Nazis were brought from all over Europe to be murdered.

“They viewed the collections of the victim’s belongings and the famous display of human hair.

“As we walked around the camp a huge blizzard started and it brought home to everyone the terrible conditions the prisoners lived in.

Later on we paid our respects at the memorial to the 1.1 million victims of Auschwitz-Birkenau. All agreed that the visit was important and should be completed by all young people as a reminder of the dangers of racism and intolerance,” said Mr Mitton

Upon returning to Krakow the group was able to enjoy a few hours sightseeing and shopping, including a walk around the castle and cathedral as well as shopping in the wide variety of shops and market stalls. Some sought out the local McDonalds.

But later they all enjoyed a “fantastic” Polish meal in a traditional cellar restaurant.

“We then indulged an evening exploration of the beautifully lit Market Square, the largest in Europe, before heading back to the hotel,” said Mr Mitton.