VETERANS marched through the centre of Newport today in memory of sailors who lost their lives in conflict while serving with the Merchant Navy.

Around 120 people in military uniform marched from the Royal British Legion to Mariner’s Green, off Cardiff Road, where a service took place. Members of the Merchant Navy Association travelled from across South Wales, Bristol and as far as Yorkshire to attend the service.

Father Edward Mathias-Jones, chaplain to the Merchant Navy Association, City of Newport branch, led the service on Saturday morning.

Lord lieutenant of Gwent Simon Boyle and lieutenant colonel Andrew Tuggey, the High Sheriff of Gwent, laid wreaths at the foot of the Merchant Seamen's Memorial. Newport’s mayor Cllr Herbie Thomas also laid a wreath.

He said: "It was a marvellous service - it's one I look forward to as my father was in the Merchant Navy and was torpedoed three times. I look forward to taking part in Remembrance Sunday and this because of that reason.

"My father was in the RAF but was first in the Merchant Navy for three years after joining at 15-years-old -he joined with 12 boys from Pill."

Standard bearers lowered their flags to the floor for the two minutes’ silence. Navy and army cadets also took part in the parade.

Alan Speight, chairman of the Newport Merchant Navy Association, said: “It was an amazing turnout considering the weather.

"It's our chance to remember the Merchant Navy men who died. I don't think it's right to forget those people who died."

Merchant Navy sailors who lost their lives in conflict have been honoured in this way in Newport for more than 16 years.