THE Red Ensign flag has been flown at Runcorn Town Hall following a ceremony to mark Merchant Navy Day.

Halton's Mayor, Cllr Margaret Horabin, attended a short ceremony at Runcorn Cemetery this morning, where she read a citation in support of the charity Seafarers UK's campaign to remember the sacrifices of Merchant Navy and their families.

Following the ceremony, the ensign - which is the official flag of the Merchant Navy - was raised at the town hall.

Merchant Navy Day has been celebrated on September 3 since 2000 in honour of the brave men and women who kept the nation afloat during both World Wars and to celebrate the UK's dependence on our modern day merchant seafarers.

Seafarers UK are aiming for the Red Ensign – or ‘Red Duster’ as it is affectionately known, to be flown ashore at more than 1,000 locations across the UK.

At the ceremony, the mayor was also presented with a memorial stone by local fundraiser, Tony Miller.

At a later date, the stone will be placed in a new dedicated seafarers and mariners section being created in Runcorn Cemetery by Halton Borough Council.