BARRY’S Merchant Navy Memorial was rededicated on Saturday, September 29. The service took place at 10am prior to the Merchant Navy Association's Annual Seafarers' Service.

The 15-year-old, 23ft high Portland stone structure was dismantled and removed for repair work, funded by the Vale Council, in December, and returned in May.

The memorial has been cleaned and reworked to stop rainwater pooling on the stone and causing damage.

The former brass remembrance plaques have been replaced with stainless steel plaques and the lists of Merchant Seamen from the Vale, who lost their lives during the World Wars, have been updated to include those missed off the original plaques.

Jim Greenway, chairman of the Barry branch of the Merchant Navy Association Wales, said: “We’re delighted that the council kept their promise to refurbish the memorial. We appreciate the council’s support."

Neil Moore, Vale Council Leader, said: "Barry’s history as a port is illustrious, during peace and war, and it was the hard work and heroism of its merchant seamen that made its name. It is very fitting that they are honoured in our town."