Red ensigns will flutter from Custom House Quay on Thursday as Falmouth salutes the sacrifices and courage of the merchant navy.

Falmouth will join ports across the UK in commemorating Merchant Navy Day, with Falmouth Harbour Commissioners flying 14 of the ensigns, the merchant navy’s official flag, from the quay, as the town mayor and ships in port will join the celebrations.

Mayor John Body, will make an address on behalf of the Earl of Wessex, president of Seafares UK which organised the day, and horns from ships in the port will then sound, followed by a bugler sounding the last post.

Dave Ellis, chair of Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, said: “We are honoured to be taking part in this national event, paying tribute to the brave men and women of our merchant navy.

“We look forward to joining people at Custom House Quay on Thursday to honour the merchant seafarers who gave their lives for us and support the future personnel of our merchant navy.”

A number of organisations with links to the merchant navy including local port representatives and the Nautical Institute as well as Seafarers UK and members of the Merchant Navy Association will be attending the event, from 10am on September 3.