Anne Frank’s step sister opened a special exhibition at South Thames College last Wednesday dedicated to the heroic diarist.

Eva Schloss, who played with Anne Frank as a child, provided a first-hand account of their lives under Nazi occupation at the ceremony.

The Anne Frank History for Today exhibition will be open to students until Friday and is run by the official Anne Frank Trust.

Ochuko Adekoya, spokesman for South Thames college said: “It was an inspirational and insightful evening which highlighted the relevance of the Anne Frank story to young people today.

“It was extremely poignant to hear Eva Schloss, a Holocaust survivor and Anne Frank’s stepsister, speak so movingly of her experiences, alongside young people who have campaigned against gun crime and violence in the community.”

The exhibition tells the story of young Anne’s life and aims to explore the themes of nationalism, scapegoats and human rights.

It is part of Staying Safe Week at the college, which includes a range of activities promoting tolerance, peace and respect among students.

Also speaking at the event was 19-year-old Alexander Rose, a Tooting resident who recently received an Anne Frank Award for devising an campaign against gun and knife crime.

Mr Rose decided to fight street violence after a close friend was stabbed to death in 2006 and his cousin was also stabbed but survived.

Imogen Topliss from the Anne Frank Trust said: “Anne Frank’s story is not just history. It is a story which has so many lessons for young people in London. It shows the futility of hatred and prejudice, and the dangerous consequences of leaving them to go unchallenged.

“Anne Frank is still a symbol of hope and determination across the world, and young people from all backgrounds can relate to her.”