A LEIGH MP wants to give two sixth formers the chance to accompany him on a trip to Auschwitz this autumn.

Andy Burnham MP is launching a competition with the Holocaust Educational Trust for students to submit a piece of written work on the relevance of the Holocaust and how we can use the lessons from the atrocity to fight prejudice today.

The competition is open to all sixth formers in the Leigh area. All entries will be judged by Mr Burnham and an independent panel including retired Leigh GP Dr Elena Zadik whose parents died at Auschwitz.

Mr Burnham said: "I feel the importance of teaching about the Holocaust and its lessons are fundamental to preventing such a tragedy happening again. I am sure it will be a moving experience and am pleased that two Leigh students will be there to share it with me."

The trip is taking place on Tuesday, October 19 2004. For more information call Mr Burnham on 01942 682 353 or Jennifer Gerber on 020 7219 8250.