SIXTH form students have the chance to accompany Leigh MP Andy Burnham on a trip to Auschwitz this autumn.

Working with the Holocaust Educational Trust, Mr Burnham is launching a competition for students to submit a piece of written work on the relevance of the Holocaust, and how we can use the lessons from the Holocaust to fight prejudice today.

The competition is open to all sixth formers in the Leigh area. All entries will be judged by the MP and an independent panel, including retired Leigh GP Dr Elena Zadik whose parents died at Auschwitz.

Mr Burnham said: "I feel the importance of teaching about the Holocaust and its lessons are fundamental to preventing such a tragedy happening again.

"I am sure it will be a moving experience and am pleased that two Leigh students will be there to share it with me.

"It will be something they will never forget and I'm grateful to the Trust for putting on this once-in-a-lifetime trip."

Karen Pollack, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: "We take people to visit Auschwitz on the premise that seeing is better than hearing.

"There is nothing to compare with actually seeing the horror of the camps for yourself. I am so pleased two participants from Leigh will join over 200 students from across the UK on our next visit. I hope in future years we take many more young people from the area and thank Andy for launching this initiative."

The trip will take place on Tuesday, October 19. More information from 01942 682353 or Jennifer Gerber on 020 7219 8250.