THE Power of Words will be the focal point as communities across Adur and Worthing come together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

Scores of residents are expected to join civic leaders to remember the atrocities of the past on Saturday.

Adur residents are invited to join Councillor Peter Metcalfe, chairman of Adur District Council, for a short moment of reflection to be held at the Holocaust Memorial Tree in Shoreham’s Buckingham Park at 11am.

In Worthing, local residents are invited to join the Mayor, Councillor Alex Harman, for a service in Beach House Park from 10.30am.

The mayor will be joined by Councillor Tom Wye, Worthing Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, as well as the mayor’s chaplain Rev Brian Penfold, and pupils from Lancing Prep School in Broadwater Road for the event.

After moments of reflection, a wreath will be laid and messages tied on the Holocaust Tree of Life in the park.

Councillor Metcalfe said: “Even though it is now more than 70 years on from the horrific events of World War Two, Holocaust Memorial Day provides us all - no matter what age, faith or race - with the opportunity to reflect and remember the suffering of those whose lives were lost.

“It reminds us that such acts of genocide must never be allowed to be repeated.”

Councillor Harman said: “Spoken and written words from individuals, businesses or community organisations, can have a huge impact, whether good or bad.

“I hope this service gives everyone a chance to reflect and learn the lessons of the past while honouring those survivors of regimes full of hatred.”

Memorial Day takes place on January 27 each year.