A WEEKEND celebration of Australian and New Zealand servicemen took place in Brightlingsea.

After the start of the First World War, thousands of volunteers from across the British Empire joined the fight, with many eventually being stationed at a new training centre in the town.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, known as Anzac, arriving in Brightlingsea.

The weekend kicked off with a champagne and canapé reception at Bayard Recreation Ground, in Regent Road.

On Saturday there was a carnival, with the procession departing from the recreation ground and travelling around the town.

Refreshments and live music also took place, with revellers encouraged to dress in costume.

Local guide Jiff Bayliss conducted a special tour of the town, revealing the Anzac connections residents might not know exist.

On Sunday, guests gathered in Hurst Green before a service was conducted at the town's war memorial.

For sports fans there was also a match between sides from the Brightlingsea Cricket Club and the Australia House Cricket Club.

A souvenir program was produced to commemorate the event.