A flotilla of yachts, fishing boats and barges, which took part in the Dunkirk evacuation 71 years ago, are set to sail up the Thames.

The little ships, many of which were private fishing or pleasure boats, were used in 1940 to help rescue 338,000 British and French troops from the beaches of northern France.

Boats owners were called upon for their help in the ten day evacuation when it became clear the military ships would not be enough to get the soldiers across the channel in the small window of opportunity.

The Prime Minister at the time, Winston Churchill, praised all those involved in Operation Dynamo and coined the expression Dunkirk spirit, which is still used today.

The vessels will be saluted by Royal Navy officers, Weybridge Mariners Commodore, the mayor of Elmbridge and a Scottish piper, when they moor up at Weybridge Wharf on Saturday, September 4.

The veterans' annual visit to Weybridge Mariners Club will also include lunch and entertainment by Sophie Garner, who sings favourite war time tunes.

Visitors can enjoy the spectacle from the Weybridge side of the towpath from 12.30pm and also see classic cars on show in the clubs car park, which will be ready to whisk the veterans home.

For more information visit weybridgemariners.co.uk.