HUNDREDS of children joined together to march through Harwich on the anniversary of a life-saving rescue operation.

Sir Nicholas Winton brought 241 mostly Jewish children to the town 77 years ago.

Sir Nicholas was part of the Kindertransport effort, which saw a recorded 9,354 children shepherded to the country in 1938 and 1939.

The vast majority arrived in Harwich via ferry from the Hook of Holland, with hundreds accommodated in a Dovercourt holiday camp.

The popular annual Children’s Carnival, this year celebrating its 10th anniversary, joined its celebrations with the event, held on July 1.

Hundreds of children from schools and nurseries across the area fashioned their own costumes to represent youngsters from all over the world.

Large wooden versions of a steam train, the dove of peace and a refugee child were crafted to lead the procession, which wound its way through the town from Harwich Green on Friday.

Mandy Rose, of the Grand Theatre of Lemmings, which organises the Children’s Carnival, said it had been a stunning event.

“We had around 700 children from across seven schools and a nursery. They had all put so much work into this,” she said.

About 25 of the original Kinder, including three who travelled on Sir Nicholas Winton’s largest transport 77 years ago, travelled from London by train for a special service at St Nicholas’ Church.

They were greeted at the station by mayor Pam Morrison and dozens of Harwich schoolchildren, who presented the emotional Kinder with flowers.

Nick Winton, son of Sir Nicholas, said: "The Kindertransports bringing refugee children to safety showed the most humanitarian and generous spirit of this country at one of the worst times in recent history.

"My father’s role as one of many helping save those in danger is a reminder that each of us can make a profound difference to the world.

"Each life saved is a gift to be celebrated.

"I am delighted that these re-enactments will be an opportunity to remind each one of us of the importance we play on the world stage.

"The tragedies taking place today cannot be resolved by governments alone - we all play a part in helping those who through no fault of their own find themselves at grave risk.

"My father would be pleased to know that this story can be used to show people that anything is possible if we set our minds to it."