The inagural Council of Christians and Jews' Bridge Award has gone to the Smith family (Eddie, Marina, Stephen and James) in recognition of the founding and development of National Holocaust Centre in Nottinghamshire and the Aegis Trust, working to prevent genocides worldwide.

Accepting the award from CCJ chair the Rt Rev Dr Michael Ipgrave, James Smith said the Smiths were "humbled to be recognised. With growing extremism, antisemitism and division in our communities, we must redouble our efforts to promote understanding between communities - as the CCJ has pioneered for some seven decades.

"The National Holocaust Centre could not have been established without the dedication of the staff, volunteers, trustees and financial supporters. Most of all, we thank Holocaust survivors who embraced the centre as their own. They bring it life and meaning as they share their lives and stories with the younger generation.”

CCJ has launched the annual award to mark its 75th anniversary year. It will be presented to those who have made a leading contribution to building bridges between communities.