Ceremony honours our nation's seafarers.

For more pictures and video go to www.gazettelive.co.uk MERCHANT Navy Day was marked in Redcar with a poignant ceremony at the town's Garden of Remembrance.

Since 2000, Merchant Navy Day - September 3 - has honoured the men and women who kept our island nation afloat during both world wars, and celebrated our dependence on modern day merchant seafarers who are responsible for 95% of the UK's imports.

And to recognise Teesside's fine seafaring tradition, the Dormanstown and Redcar branch of the Merchant Navy Association always holds its own ceremony at the Garden of Remembrance on Coatham Road.

Redcar and Cleveland Mayor, Councillor Brenda Forster, was among those attending the service, which was held under leaden skies and with a chill wind blowing.

To support the day, Redcar and Cleveland Council backed a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the UK Merchant Navy's official flag to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.

The Redcar Community and Leisure Heart was among the buildings to fly the red ensign.

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The Dormanstown and Redcar branch of the Merchant Navy Association holds a service for Merchant Navy Day MICHELLE MADDISON