LEDBURY looks set to have a new annual diary date to celebrate, with moves afoot to honour Merchant Navy Day, this September.

A town council working party will look into how best to mark the day, which is a tribute to the "important role played by the Merchant Navy during the First and Second World Wars".

On idea is to purchase and fly a Red Ensign flag, which will cost the town council £45.71.

Cllr Jean Simpson said: "Celebrating Merchant Navy Day would be the first time we have done this in Ledbury."

The idea was widely supported by town councillors.

The day itself is September 3, and the celebration in Ledbury could take the form of an official flag raising ceremony in the High Street.

An invitation would be extended to local former and serving members of the Merchant Navy to attend.

The general public will also be welcome too.

Music could be provided by the Ledbury Community Brass Band.

Merchant Navy Day is a relatively new commemoration to the national calendar, first taking place in 2000.

Its purpose is to "honour the brave men and women who kept our 'Island Nation' afloat during both World Wars, and to celebrate our dependence on modern day merchant seafarers who are responsible for 95 per cent of the UK's imports, including much of the food we eat, most of the fuel we burn and virtually all the products and goods we take for granted".

This year Seafarers UK is actively campaigning for the Red Ensign - the UK Merchant Navy's official flag - to be flown on Sunday September 3 on civic buildings and landmark flagpoles across the UK.

Around 15,000 merchant seamen lost their lives during the First World War, and more than 30,000 in the Second War War, many down to U-boat attacks.