STUDENTS at Kingdown School sat in stunned silence this week as they were told about the horrors of Auschwitz by Holocaust survivor William B.

Year 9 pupils from the Warminster school met one of the last remaining survivors from the genocide in an educational and moving visit on Monday organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET).

Assistant headteacher David Richardson, who requested the visit, said: “It was a real privilege welcoming William to the school and we’ve received lots of positive feedback from it.

“After his talk he showed pupils fascinating documents including his death certificate, which he received when he was due to face the gas chamber.

“There was also a question and answer session which gave students the opportunity to explore the Holocaust in more depth.

“Year 9 students are currently studying the Holocaust in history lessons and hey all found it incredibly eye-opening, as did the teachers who were also in attendance.

“We must say a big thank you to the trust for making it possible. As far as I’m aware we're the first school in the area to have been visited by them.”

William B, 83, was only five-years-old when the Holocaust took place and lost his entire family to it.

The Holocaust Educational Trust works in schools, universities and the community to raise awareness and understanding of the Holocaust, providing teacher training, an outreach programme for schools, teaching aids and resource material.

It was established in 1988 and aims to educate young people about the Holocaust and the important lessons to be learned for today.

Karen Pollock MBE, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “The Holocaust Educational Trust educates and engages students from across the UK, from all communities about the Holocaust and there can be no better way than through the first-hand testimony of a survivor.

"William's story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by hearing his testimony, students will have the opportunity to learn where prejudice and racism can ultimately lead.

“At the trust, we impart the history of the Holocaust to young people, to ensure that we honour the memory of those whose lives were lost and take forward the lessons taught by those who survived.”