When about 3,500 children lined up on Lowestoft station on a Sunday morning 75 years ago, little did they know it would lead to a period in their lives that would never be forgotten.

Some thought that they were heading for an adventure, many were scared, while others were tearful as they left their parents and guardians behind and embarked on a train journey to the Midlands.

As the threat of the Second World War moved towards the east coast, the youngsters were accompanied by their teachers as they were evacuated to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

And yesterday (Saturday), memories were recalled during a service of thanksgiving and prayers in the Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Lowestoft, and then stories were shared and pictures viewed during a reunion event in Stella Maris Hall.

More than 60 wartime evacuees and their partners gathered for the reunion, which was organised by the Lowestoft Evacuees Committee and attended by the deputy mayor of Lowestoft, Malcolm Cherry, who cut a celebratory 75th anniversary cake to mark the occasion.

Lowestoft Evacuees Committee secretary Chris Brooks said: 'I think it's been really such a significant day for them.'

SEE THIS WEEK'S EDITION FOR MORE FROM THE REUNION.