A boat that played a vital role in evacuating soldiers during World War II will take centre stage at the jubilee flotilla.

The Tom Tit, now moored at Thames Ditton Marina in Surbiton, helped to rescue thousands of allied troops from the French coast but will take a less perilous trip as part of the celebratory river pageant on Sunday.

With the support of the RAF and Royal Navy the Tom Tit was among 400 Dunkirk Little Ships that rescued about 350,000 Allied troops from the port of Dunkirk in 1940.

Along with 40 of its colleagues on that historic mission, it will now form the section of seven-mile flotilla just behind the lavishly decorated royal barge carrying the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

Owner Trevor Phillips, 56, from East Moseley, said the jubilee was yet another historic day for his boat.

He said: “It is without doubt an honour to be involved not only with the jubilee but as part of the Dunkirk Little Ships formation.

“These boats have played a big part in our recent history. Wherever I go with the Tom Tit people come up to me, ask me about it, and that is because Dunkirk is etched in the public consciousness.”

The historic vessel will be joined by two boats from 300-year-old Kingston-based family business Turks Launches, who will showcase the New Southern Belle and the Yarmouth Belle.

They have been privately hired to participate in the flotilla, which starts at Battersea Bridge takes in 10 sections interspersed with “music herald” barges and finishes at Tower Bridge.

Richard Turk, managing director of Turk Launches, said he is proud to represent the company on such a “momentous and historic day”.

He is also hoping there will be no mistakes in captaining the boats as there will be a possible worldwide audience of millions.

He said: “There are thousands of boats taking part in the largest most complex collection of river boats ever seen, or ever likely to be seen again.

“It is a unique and spectacular event inspired by a rich history. I just hope that all the boats can stay one in front of each other in procession because any mistakes will be seen by just about everyone in the country, and most of the world.”