A TRIP to Krakow in Poland has left a lasting impression on humanities students from Cronton Sixth Form College in Widnes.

The group visited the former Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau where an estimated 1.1 million people were murdered during the Holocaust.

Students have described the emotional journey as ‘inspirational’ and ‘unforgettable’.

Students learned the horrors of the camp, viewing first-hand the remaining gas chambers and the museum containing prisoner hair, suitcases and prosthetic limbs piled high.

They also took part in activities such as a breakout game where students had an hour to crack various codes and solve puzzles to escape a room.

Humanities tutor Jonny Evans said: “Words cannot describe the enormity or the horror that the Jewish population experienced in Europe at the hands of the Nazi regime.

“Visiting Auschwitz was an experience which students are unlikely to forget but it was also a superb way to contextualise topics covered in Humanities subjects.

“We wish to thank all the students for their outstanding behaviour.

“They made it a trip never to forget and even though there was 4am start to most days it was well worth the adventure.”

They visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine, travelling down a wooden staircase of 378 steps to view incredible sights carved from salt, including chapels, statues, and an underground lake.

Students also learnt about the incredible story of factory worker Oskar Schindler, who saved more than 1,000 lives during the Second World War, on a visit to the Oskar Schindler factory.

During three day educational trip, the group explored the town of Krakow and sampled traditional Polish food.

They also gained an understanding of what Krakow was like under Nazi occupation.