KIDDERMINSTER folk are being asked to help fly the flag in support of the UK’s Merchant Navy by attending a special ceremony at Wyre Forest District Council’s headquarters this Friday.

The ceremony both honours and remembers the sacrifices made by Merchant Navy seafarers who helped keep Britain afloat during both World Wars, as often their contributions went unnoticed.

The event also celebrates the dependence on modern day merchant seafarers who are said to be responsible for more than 90 percent of the UK’s imports.

Council chairman Cllr Peter Dyke, who will be raising the flag, has appealed for as many residents as possible to attend the ceremony to show their support.

He said: “It’s important that we recognise the sacrifices and dedication of those brave and selfless people within the Merchant Navy community, both past and present."

The ceremony will start at 10.30 am on September 2 at Wyre Forest House, Finepoint Way, which is off the Stourport Road in Kidderminster.

The official Merchant Navy Day is on Saturday, September 3 - an occasion which has been commemorated since 2000 and coincides with the anniversary of the sinking of the SS Athenia, which was the first British merchant vessel to be lost during World War 2.

Donations to the charity’s Merchant Navy Fund can be made at: www.merchantnavyfund.org