Dorset Council is commemorating the deaths of all the Roma and Sinti murdered by the Nazis at Auschwitz.

It is flying the Roma flay at County Hall until June 30.

More than 200,000 Roma and Sinti were murdered or died as a result of starvation or disease. Many more were imprisoned, used as forced labour or subject to forced sterilisation and medical experimentation.

The Roma heritage can be traced way back to North India from where they fled due to persecution and moved across Europe, including the UK.

In responding to flying the flag, the chairman of Kushti Bok, Betty Smith Billington, commented that they are proud that Dorset Council recognises their largest ethnic minority.

Councillor Val Pothecary, leader of Dorset Council, said: "The Gypsy and Traveller community are our largest ethnic minority in rural Dorset, so I'm delighted to see the Roma flag raised at County Hall in Dorchester.

"They are part of a rich, diverse community we have here in Dorset and we are proud to fly their flag. If you want to find out more about the Gypsy and Traveller community, feel free to attend the Gypsy Roma Traveller History event in Dorchester on June 26.

"As a council we strive to address inequalities for people who are disadvantaged or treated less favourably based on their race, sex, disability, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation or religion/belief. We are committed to supporting all of our communities."