THE men who sailed under the Red Ensign have given their support to Newport's bid for city status.

After a meeting of the Newport (Gwent) Branch of the Merchant Navy Association, Mr Bertram Bale, branch chairman and national vice-president, said: "Backing was unanimous.

"Members will be signing and handing out petitions on Newport's behalf and we will be writing a special letter to the relevant authorities.

"Of all the other towns that are up for recognition as cities, we believe we have a special case.

"Hundreds of Newport merchant sailors lost their lives in the last war. In fact, the toll was greater than that of the three fighting services put together.

"Were it not for Newport and its sailors, it is doubtful whether this country would have survived. Merchant sailors now join members of the fighting services at the Cenotaph in London, which is a recognition of their contribution to victory.

"The histories of Newport and the Merchant Navy are inseparably bound up."

Parliament has decreed that Merchant Navy Day should be celebrated on September 3, with the Red Ensign being flown from public buildings, including those belonging to Newport county borough council and the National Assembly.

One of the most powerful voices for recognition of the service was Mr Paul Flynn, MP for Newport West and president of the Newport branch of the Merchant Navy Association.