AN ICONIC flag has been raised to celebrate Britain's merchant navy.

The Red Ensign, the flag of the UK Merchant Navy, was raised on Monday, September 3 at the Ruthin War Memorial to commemorate Merchant Navy Day.

The Merchant Navy has been responsible for much of the UK's commercial seafaring operations since the seventeenth century and played an important role in both world wars, supplying the UK with food, raw materials and arms.

The flag was raised by Peter Scott, chair of Denbighshire County Council, alongside dignitaries including Ann Jones, AM for North Wales, and Lady Elizabeth Hanmer, high sheriff for the Vale of Clwyd.

Also in attendance was 96-year-old Ted Evans, who joined the Merchant Navy in 1937.

Mr Evans, from Graigadwywynt, near Ruthin, was involved in the Atlantic convoys during the Second World War and on May 8, 1945 he took part in the liberation of the Channel Islands.

Mr Evans was recently awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Since 2000, the commemoration day has honoured all those who served for the Merchant Navy during both world wars, and celebrates modern day merchant seamen who are responsible for 95 per cent of the UK's imports.