A 60-YEAR-OLD pledge between Newport and Britain's Merchant Navy Association was redeemed in a blaze of scarlet as the men who flew the famous Red Duster were granted the freedom of the new city.

With unfaltering steps several hundred old merchant sailors proudly trod the very ground they had helped to make free. Of all the freedoms that have been granted - only nine since the end of the Second World War - this was perhaps the most emotive.

In the Second World War the death toll among Newport's merchant sailors was greater than that of the three fighting services put together.

It was always going to be a great, and a happy day. From the moment the city's chief executive, Chris Freegard, read out the proclamation which allowed the Merchant Navy Association to march through Newport with colours flying and bands playing, a mixture of solemnity tinged with the high spirits for which the merchant service is famous, ruled the day.

When Newport's mayor Councillor Ronald Morris, said: "It is fitting that this new city should honour the merchant service with which it is so closely associated" a murmur of approval went round the parade. Many of the old sailors were visibly moved when Bertram Bale, national vice-president of the Merchant Navy Association and chairman of the Newport branch, paid tribute to the city.

"It is with immense pride that we receive this freedom. In peace and war Newport and the Merchant Navy have served this nation. The bonds between them are indestructible," he said. "We are especially honoured in being the first to receive the freedom of Newport as a city."

With the band of the Royal Regiment of Wales - complete with goat mascot - leading the way, the old sailors marched to a civic reception at Newport Leisure Centre.

There, the MNA national president, Vivian Foster, hailed "a wonderful, grand and glorious day. Sitting with us is the memory of 35,000 merchant seamen who died winning our nations freedom."

At the request of the Newport merchant seamen, Derek Bristow, the MNA's previous chairman, led the parade.

"I have rarely witnessed anything so moving," Mr Bristow said.

"The relationship between Newport and the Merchant Service is sealed forever. Brave men have been honoured and a new city greeted."

* In the picture: Councillor Morris meets some of the veterans.