WORCESTER'S Merchant Navy ex-servicemen will in future receive the recognition they deserve for their war efforts.

They presented Worcester Mayor David Clark with a naval ensign last Friday, which, from now on, will be flown every September 3 at the Guildhall.

The date has been designated as the official Merchant Navy Day.

It follows years of campaigning for more recognition for the organisation.

Dickie Valentine, vice-president of the Merchant Navy Association, was one of the ex-servicemen to present the ensign to Coun Clark.

"This is great news," said Mr Valentine, who lives off Tolladine Road.

"We're gradually getting recognised.

"We were a non-combatant force, but we were always with the Army, the Navy and the RAF.

"The ship I was on was torpedoed 20 miles out from Ostend," he said.

"We now have all the HMS Worcester memorabilia in the Randall Room at the Guildhall, which is great news for everyone who served on the ship," added Coun Clark.