SHOPPERS in Bolton town centre have been given a colourful reminder that history will be made tomorrow when the first Merchant Navy Day is commemorated.

Some of the local men who served in the Merchant Navy during the war and in peacetime were at the Shipgates Centre in Mealhouse Lane to unveil a display of memorabilia.

The display is mainly the work of Bill Brazier, husband of Shipgates Centre secretary Vera Brazier, and features some of his superb scale models of merchant ships. Bill served in the Merchant Navy for many years.

Bolton branch of the Merchant Navy Association has arranged for the Red Ensign to be flown from the Town Hall, and tomorrow at 11am, veterans will gather in Victoria Square to lay a wreath on the war memorial.

The ceremony will be performed by one of the association's oldest members, standard bearer Fred Saunders of Tonge Fold.

Members of the public and Merchant Navy people from any era are invited to join the short ceremony.

Association secretary Don Gabbott said: "This ceremony is not just to remember the thousands who died in the war but to celebrate what the Merchant Navy does in peacetime. Association branches throughout Britain have many younger people who are too young to even remember the war."

Details of the branch from Mr Gabbott on 01942 817081. Pictured are from left, Bill Brazier, John Swift, Don Gabbott, Derek Grundy and Fred Saunders. Ref: H3629/25a