A Hungarian-born Jewish survivor of the Nazi genocide during the Second World War told of the horrors which went on.

Mr Tomi Komoly BEM, was guest speaker at a service commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day at Sandbach Town Hall today (Friday, January 27th).

He told the audience, who included the Mayor of Cheshire East, Councillor David Marren, council leader Cllr Sam Corcoran and deputy leader Cllr Craig Browne, about his life behind the Iron Curtain.

Mr Tomi Komoly BEM (right) with Mayor of Cheshire East, Councillor David Marren,

The audience heard how Jews were transported in 'cattle waggons' and were censored from taking part in everyday activities such as swimming and shopping.

He outlined the living conditions for many and told how his mother and her children were forced to live in the cellar of a safe house.

"We weren't allowed to go upstairs during the day, only when the shutters were closed at night so no one knew we were living there."

He told how his father had been allowed leave to visit his family for three days but because his father spoke out about their living conditions, he was taken away.

"Some men came for him. It was nearly my birthday but he didn't come back and I never saw him again," said Mr Komoly. 

Mr Komoly survived and came to England where he married and was awarded the British Empire Medal for his work in Holocaust education.

Today he spends his time visiting schools and other places telling of his experiences and talking about the Holocaust.

Councillor Sam Corcoran, Leader of Cheshire East said: "Speaking out doesn't always have to be confrontational.

"It can be as simple as posting a positive comment on social media to counter something unpleasant.

"What you can do may be very little. It is important that you do it."

Civic dignitaries led members of the public at the service in lighting candles of remembrance.

Mayor of Cheshire East, Cllr David Marren, said the events were an important reminder of standing up against discrimination.

"Ordinary people make these things happen and it's ordinary people who can make them stop," he said.