This year’s National Holocaust Memorial Day will be marked with an interactive public exhibition to commemorate survivors and educate people about the genocide.

Visitors to the exhibition today, Tuesday, January 27, will be able to hear accounts from genocide survivors, share their experiences and leave personal messages. They will also learn and understand about genocides and what can be done to prevent them happening in the future.

The two free exhibitions, supported by Devon and Cornwall Police and partner agencies, will take place on Tuesday 27 January at Newquay Sports and Community Centre and on Friday 30 January at New County Hall, Truro and are open from 10am – 2:30pm.

The experience takes about 30-45 minutes and large groups and school bookings are advised to agree a time slot in advance.

Colin Gameson, Devon and Cornwall Police diversity officer said: “We may think that the Holocaust was something that happened many years ago in one country, but the sad reality is that genocides have continually occurred in various places across the world and are still happening now. It is important for everyone to understand the reasons why they happen and learn lessons so we can prevent them taking place in the future.

"As a police force, we are committed to serving everyone living in Devon and Cornwall regardless of their gender, sex, race, religion and age, and it is important for us to be tolerant of everyone.

"This exhibition has allowed us to discuss and educate Cornish people on a very sensitive subject, bringing together some of the minority groups and victims of this horrendous crime."