'We have to remember' Windrush migrants

Myrle Roach wrote a poem, called Raise The Flag, for the Wellingborough event

First and second generation Windrush migrants have taken part in a commemorative event to pay tribute to those who helped post-war Britain function.

They attended the Windrush Day at Swansgate House in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, which included music and poems.

Poet Myrle Roach emigrated from Montserrat in 2002 and said: "They paved the way for so many of us, we have to remember them.

"We're proud to be here, proud to be acknowledged and proud to be remembered."

HMT Empire Windrush docked in Tilbury, Essex, in 1948, bringing hundreds of passengers from the Caribbean to the UK.

When Lilian Francis first came to the UK, she worked in a laundry

Lilian Francis, who arrived from Montserrat aged 16 in 1961, attended the event on Saturday with her daughter.

She said when she arrived in London, the first things she needed to do was buy a "lovely orange" warm coat.

"We knew it was cold, but not that cold," she joked.

She eventually relocated to Wellingborough as her family wanted to move to the countryside and to a place that was "peaceful and where the children had lots of places to play".

"It is important that we should pay tribute to those who contributed a lot of hard work to help Britain and to keep Britain functioning."

The celebration of Windrush Day took place in Wellingborough from 11:00 BST on Saturday

Ms Roach said many "sacrifices" were made by previous generations.

"They paved the way for so many of us, we have to remember them.

"It makes us feel part of British history, which we are, and it helps us remember and appreciate everything that has happened for us.