A HOLOCAUST survivor has told his story about the horrors of war during a visit to West Kirby Grammar School.

Year 11 pupils were visited by Jack during an emotionally charged holocaust education session at the school today.

They heard Jack's first hand experiences during the Second World War and his family's persecution at the hands of the Nazis.

Jack told students how he was just 10 years old when he was separated from his father, mother and brother.

He said: "They were killed in Belzec camp on the Russian border. I've seen what human beings are capable of, which I still have not addressed.

"I have found out what mankind is capable of and that makes me nervous. Others should not have to go through what I did, the inhumanity."

He was liberated by Russian troops and then came to England.

"I have lived in England for 60 years and I have a good life, I have family, but what I have witnessed you do not forget quickly.

"That's why it is important that young people are reminded about what happened during the Holocaust so it doesn't happen in the future."

The visit followed a school trip to Auschwitz this summer as part of a study programme examining themes of prejudice and discrimination and evil and suffering.

The school's head of religious studies, Sarah Wrightson, said: "Jack's account really made an impact on the students.

"He sat on the stage and explained how his whole family had been wiped out, this really brings it home to the students."

Pupil Laura Hallam added: "We study the Holocaust in history and religious studies, but Jack's story makes it personal and far more real than any books can. I feel really privileged to have heard him."

The school's religious studies department has been organising visits to Poland and Auschwitz for four years and this year 40 Year 13 students spent four days in Krakow.

The group visited memorial sites to build up a background to the Holocaust, and also spent a full day at Auschwitz.