POIGNANT events to mark the centenary of the German U-boat surrender and the 80th anniversary of the Kindertransport are taking place around Harwich.

Shortly after the end of the First World War, the German U-boat fleet surrendered off the Harwich coast in 1918.

To mark the significant event Surrender and Sanctuary, a National Lottery-funded project, will be displaying more than 100 flags to represent each U-boat in a parade in Dovercourt.

The team behind the project has been getting the community to create flags to sew on a life-sized willow U-boat on Dovercourt beach.

The boat has been weaved by creative residents and willow artist Deb Hart.

Once completed, it will be a 15-metre long submarine covered in 168 flags.

On Saturday, November 17, there will be a surrender 100 themed train at 10am and 11am from Manningtree station for people to ride.

A series of talks about the U-boats will be held at 11.30am at the Adult Community Centre.

There will also be an archive film show for adults and youngsters about the surrender.

Later on at 5.30pm residents will be able to take part in trail around Harwich to discover its First World War history.

On Sunday, November 18, a willow U-boat commemoration event will take place at Harwich Sailing Club between 3.30pm and 6pm.

For this event, there will be a parade of flags down the street and the unveiling of the willow U-boat.

On December 1 there will be events remembering the significance of the Kindertransport.

At 10am and 11am residents can board a train from Manningtree station which will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Kindertransport.

At 11.30am there will be talks on the event at the Mayflower Heritage Centre.

Then a themed film called Into the Arms of Strangers will be showing at the centre at 7pm.

On December 3, Dovercourt station will come alive with actors recreating scenes of children on the 80th anniversary of their arrival in the town. For more, visit harwichhavenhistory.co.uk.