A Holocaust survivor has been reliving his 'horrific' experience in Auschwitz as part of an Edgware synagogue's education initiative.

Year 10 pupils from the London Academy, Mill Hill School and St Augustine's High School listened to the story of Freddie Knoller, 89, who was held in Auschwitz during the Second World War.

Edgware United Synagogue wanted to tell non-Jewish children about the Holocaust as part of an effort to build bridges between communities.

Rabbi David Lister said: “It's important to remember that the Holocaust was not just a terrible event in Jewish history, but in the history of the world.

“Hearing from a survivor made the children think – and that was the whole point. We made them write postcards at the end of the day and they were quite emotional.”

Ibrar Ahmed, a Year 10 pupil at Mill Hill School, said: “It was very interesting to hear from Freddie about his horrific time during the Nazi regime.

It is amazing that Freddie still has full faith in God after the torment he has been through.”

The pupils attended a workshop on conditions enduring by internees and discussed what lessons could be learned for the future.

Rabbi Lister said that the inititative had been so successful he hoped to expand it next year.

He added: “It is the responsibility and duty of all humanity to make sure that something like the Holocaust never happens again, and we want to make sure as many children hear from survivors while they still can.”

Deputy headteacher of St Augustine's High School, Andrew Parkin, said: “It was an amazing insight into the horrific experiences of those who suffered in the concentration camps. To hear the account of Mr Knoller was truly amazing and something I will remember for the rest of my life.”