The work of three family members who set up Britain's first Holocaust memorial centre has been recognised with a rare triple award.

Marina Smith and her sons James and Stephen received honorary doctorates from Nottingham Trent University this week.

The trio founded the Holocaust Centre, in Laxton, Leicestershire, in 1995, and have since welcomed thousands of visitors to learn about the Shoah.

Dr James Smith, chairman of the centre, said: "We're thrilled to be sharing this award, which celebrates not only the work of the Holocaust Centre and the Aegis Trust [which works to prevent crimes against humanity] but also the strong ties we have with Nottingham, the university and the whole community".

The centre has become a model for similar education establishments in South Africa, Lithuania and Rwanda.

Sir David Attenborough, whose parents took in two Jewish girls who escaped Nazi Germany, was also honoured with an honorary degree.