HOLOCAUST survivor Hannah Lewis gave a talk to 180 Cressex Community School pupils about her experiences during the Second World War.

The event at the school in Holmers Lane was part of a half day workshop under the Act for Change educational programme. It was organised by Theresa Cole-Johnson, library manager at the school.

Hannah, 70, told Year Nine and Ten pupils of life as a young girl near the Russian border in Poland, where she had to hide on several occasions in remote locations or the houses of strangers. She told pupils how she was put in a work camp, where she witnessed her mother's execution by firing squad and contracted typhus.

Sue Owen, design and publicity officer at the school, said: "They were so deeply touched by what Hannah told them and were hugely affected by her traumatic story."

The children were also shown a short film and Hannah illustrated her life with a few precious photographs of her childhood.

After a question and answer session the children divided into groups and reflected on the talk.

The day ended with balloons being released which carried labels written by the students on one action or attitude they most wanted to change.

Act for Change was awarded funding from the Faith Communities Capacity Building Fund, which enabled it to run workshops and other projects.