They joined 200 pupils and teachers for the Holocaust Educational Trust's Lessons from Auschwitz Project which explores the universal lessons of the Holocaust and its relevance for today.

The group visited Osweicim, the town where the Auschwitz death and concentration camps were located and then went onot visit Auschwitz I seeing the former camp's barrack and crematoria, and witnessing the piles of belongings that were seized by the Nazis.

Finally they spent time at the main killing centre at Birkenau where the day concluded with with candle lighting and a period of reflection to remember all who died as a result of the Holocaust.

The students were joined by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, and representatives from all the religious communities - Bahai, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Muslim, Sikh and Zoroastrian.

For a full report of the visit, see next Wednesday's Bucks Herald