Students bore witness to the horrors of Auschwitz in a visit designed to fight bigotry and hatred.

Teenagers from Horsforth School and St Mary’s School in Menston were among those taking part in the visit which was organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust.

More than 200 students from across Yorkshire and Humberside took part in the project to learn about what happened at Auschwitz-Birkenau, to pay respect to those who lost their lives, and to explore the lessons of the Holocaust and its relevance for today.

The students will now use the experience to educate others about the Holocaust.

Now in its 13th year, the project is based on the premise that “hearing is not like seeing”.

Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew, who joined students on the visit, said: “I cannot underestimate the importance of visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and recognising the full extent of the industrialised nature of the Holocaust.

“These events may have taken place more than 60 years ago but we need to continue to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to the younger generations to fight bigotry and hatred today.

“I look forward to seeing how the students will communicate their experience to their peers and am encouraged that many more students will have the opportunity to participate in the course in future years.

“I hope that this will ensure that the Holocaust is never forgotten and that its lessons are truly learned, disseminated and acted upon.”

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “We are delighted that Stuart Andrew MP joined us on the visit with students from his constituency.

“The Holocaust Educational Trust’s Lessons from Auschwitz Project is such a vital part of our work because it not only gives students the chance to learn about the Holocaust but to understand the dangers and potential effects of prejudice and racism today on a local and national scale.”