ONE of the most shameful periods in the history of mankind will be remembered across the borough next Tuesday, the 59th anniversary of the Russian army's liberation of Poland's infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp.

The attempted destruction of Europe's Jews and other minorities by the Nazis will be commemorated at ceremonies in Leigh and Wigan. Ceremonies at Firs Park, Leigh (2pm) and Mesnes Park, Wigan (11am) will take place beside the commemorative silver birch trees planted three years ago and will feature readings, meditations and music.

Introduced in 2001 as a national mark of respect for the victims of Nazi persecution, Holocaust Memorial Day aims to raise awareness and understanding of the significance and consequences of tyranny.

Each year focuses on a different theme, this year's being 'From the Holocaust to Rwanda: lessons learned, lessons still to learn'.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, when the Hutu majority embarked on a 100-day killing spree.

Councillor Peter Smith, Leader of Wigan Council, said: "The lessons of tyranny are as relevant today as they have ever been. The Holocaust should have been the final, wretched word in state-sponsored persecution, yet the Rwandan genocide took place just 10 years ago while the international community looked on."

Other events planned include 'The Lessons of History: Readings and music to commemorate the Holocaust' with Stephen Lythgoe at Hindley Library, Friday January 30 (2-3pm), Leigh Library, Saturday, January 31 (11-noon).

A Holocaust exhibition featuring material from the Beth Shalom Holocaust Centre, the Anne Frank Educational Trust and others continues at Leigh Library until February 13.