Poland marks the centenary of the birth of Irena Sendler, a World War Two heroine who saved thousands of Jewish children from the German Nazi Holocaust.

Irena Sendler was awarded the Righteous among the Nations medal, the Order of the White Eagle, and a nomination to the Nobel Peace Prize.

She died on 12th of May 2008 at the age of 98. Her funeral was attended by numerous crowds.

Professor Michał Glowinski, literary historian, one of the children saved by Irena Sendler, said: "When it seemed I stood no chance, she placed me with the nuns."

"She was a living example of how a person should live her life," said Michael Schudrich, chief rabbi of Poland.

The Parliamentary Commission for Culture and Mass Media passed a project of a resolution honouring Irena Sendler on what would be her 100th birthday.

"She is such an incredible person, forgotten for so many years. Right now we need to recall her, and present her life, her choices and herself in general as a role model, especially for young people," said MP Iwona Sledzinska-Katarasinska. The Parliament is to pass the resolution during its nearest session.

On the 100th anniversary of Irena Sendler's birthday, representatives of all schools named after her meet in Warsaw for a three day convention. (jn/jb)