WITH naval standards snapping in the wind, Newport's former sailors paid tribute to one of their own as the name of Commander John Wallace Linton VC was bestowed upon a Newport pub.

The Wetherspoon's pub in Cambrian Road has been named after Newport's submarine hero - the only Newportonian to win the Victoria Cross during World War Two - after representations from the Newport branch of the Royal Naval Association.

Commander Linton's submarine, HMS Turbulent, was presumed sunk by enemy action in the Mediterranean in 1942 having wreaked havoc with enemy shipping.

All 69 members of the crew, including Commander Linton, who was born at Malpas, were lost.

The Victoria Cross, the highest British award for valour, was awarded for sustained bravery and persistence rather than for an individual act of heroism.

The official naming, and the unveiling of a brass plaque inside the pub was carried out by Newport's Mayor, Councillor Ray Truman.

The standards of the Wales branch of the Submariners' Association were paraded together with those of the Newport branch of the Royal Naval Association and the Newport branch of the Merchant Navy Association.

Frank Batterham, chairman of the Newport branch of the RNA, said: "We are very proud to be here today and grateful to Wetherspoon's who have chosen to honour this hero."

Councillor Truman said: "Even after over 60 years, you can still read about the exploits of Commander Linton on the Internet.

"It is a pleasure to be here today to honour his bravery and that of his crew."

Paul McDonnell, licensee of what is now the The John Wallace Linton, said: "As soon as the Royal Navy veterans told us what they wanted sympathetic bells started ringing.

"Newport is a city with naval traditions and Tubby Linton was the finest.

"I'm proud that our pub should bear his name."