THE Vale council commemorated Merchant Navy Day Friday, September 1 ahead of the official day on Sunday, September 3.

Those attending were Vale mayor, Cllr Janice Charles – who gave a reading during the service; RBL chairman, Keith Harris, deputy lieutenant Colin Jones, Vale MP Alun Cairns, Vale AM Jane Hutt, Vale council leader, Cllr John Thomas, Llantwit Major mayor, Cllr Jane Thomas and Barry town mayor, Cllr Nic Hodges.

Mr Cairns said: “It was an honour to lay a wreath at the Merchant Navy Day on Friday. It was a moving service, and the reception afterwards was a great opportunity to catch up with new and longstanding friends, who could share many inspiring stories about the work of the Merchant Navy.”