A SPECTACULAR willow submarine is being built on a popular beach to mark the centenary of the surrender of the German U-boats.

Residents are being invited to come and see a willow U-boat being constructed on Dovercourt beach from October 22.

They will be allowed to have a go at willow weaving to contribute to the construction of the submarine at a drop in day on Wednesday, October 24, with willow artist Deb Hart.

The 15-metre-long submarine will be covered in 168 flags next month to commemorate the number of U-boats which surrendered off the coast of Harwich in 1918.

David Cain, Surrender and Sanctuary project manager, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the community to take part and commemorate this fascinating history that not many people know about, but happened right here.

“We really want to enable people to play a part in this commemoration of a highly important event and remember the impact of the German and British submarine crews and their lives.”

On November 18, at 3.30pm a parade of flags representing each of the U-boats will be walked through the town and installed on the willow sculpture on the beach.

The flags have been created by local people and groups and everyone is invited to take part in this free commemoration event.

Join invited visitors and project partners including guests from Germany who have helped research this project and enjoy an afternoon of brass band music and themed food at Harwich Sailing Club.

To register your interest in designing a flag please contact the project team on info@nhscic.org.