Merton school pupils from Rowan High, Mitcham are set to take part in the high profile National Holocaust Memorial Day service in central London.

The event, organised by the Home Office and broadcast live by the BBC, will take place on Saturday 27 January and the ten Year 11 pupils will assist public figures in lighting candles to remember the victims of the Holocaust.

Rowan is one of only three schools in the country that has been chosen to take part in the candle lightning ceremony.

David Grant, Assistant Headteacher of Rowan High, said: “We are very, very proud to be taking part in such an important event and it is something, I think, that the pupils taking part will remember for the rest of their lives.”

Councillor Karl Carter, Cabinet Member for Secondary Education, said: “I am so pleased that Rowan High has been asked to be a part of the service having lost a 17 year old member of my family as a result of the Holocaust.

“The pupils taking part will be representing their school, fellow classmates and Merton and I wish them well.”

There will an exhibition to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in the Civic Centre from Thursday 25 January to Tuesday 30 January.