The Holocaust Educational Trust has paid tribute to Oscar-winning film director Lord Attenborough who died on Sunday aged 90.

The trust said: "The legacy of Richard Attenborough's work in film will always be remembered by millions. But they should also remember him and his family for the safe refuge they provided for the two Jewish girls, Helga and Irene, fleeing Nazi persecution."

Lord Attenborough, who won an Oscar for his film, Ghandi, often spoke movingly of the two Jewish girls his parents adopted - describing them as his sisters - and the strong connection he felt towards the Jewish community.

"I regard myself as being Jewish by adoption in reverse. The girls came to live with us while waiting for their parents to join them," he said.

Lord Attenborough's father, Frederick Levi Attenborough, helped rescue Jews from Nazi Germany before the war.