The Holocaust Educational Trust has launched a social media campaign in memory of Sir Nicholas Winton at its annual conference for youth ambassadors.

Sir Nicholas, the British hero who saved hundreds of children from Nazi persecution during the Second World War, was the inspiration behind the initiative encouraging people to stand up to hatred and intolerance.

Ambassadors at Monday's conference in central London were encouraged to share their individual pledges to fight prejudice along with a hashtag - #ShapeTheFuture - on social media.

Tolu Mohammed, 18, from High Wycombe, was one of the ambassadors chosen to run outreach projects using knowledge gained from participating in HET's Lessons from Auschwitz scheme.

She said: "I think it is especially important to share the lessons we learnt as we've seen a rise in racism in the wake of the EU referendum."

Regional ambassador Laura Pasternak, 23, agreed. She said: "I find it really concerning that there has been a rise in hate crime towards minority communities, especially migrants.

"Our leaders need to be more responsible in the language they use because it is shaping public opinion."

Born in Glasgow, and studying at Strathclyde University, Ms Pasternak said: "My grandpa was Polish and a prisoner of war himself so I really wanted to learn about what happened in the war. Seeing the camp makes you feel like a witness to the Holocaust and our pledge today makes us think about how we can shape the future like Sir Nicholas."

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis praised the ambassadors and told them: "You are here to represent HET but I would also like to set this challenge to you today: that you will also be ambassadors for the victims of the Holocaust, for the men, women and children who were denied the right to live out their lives.

"I am humbled to be in your presence. Please carry on the incredible work you do to create a beautiful harmony in our society. In that way, you will forever be ambassadors for the victims of the Holocaust."

Barbara Winton, daughter of Sir Nicholas, explained how her father had heard of the persecution and fear felt by Czech Jewish children before the Shoah.

She said: "My father was told to wait and that something would happen, but he didn't, he just went ahead and did it. That's our message to young people today: don't wait for other people to do things, as they may never do it."