A Merchant Navy War Memorial has been unveiled at a special ceremony on Dover seafront.

The memorial, which is 2.8m high, depicts a Second World War Merchant Navy sailor looking out to sea, and facing towards the Western entrance to Dover Harbour.

It was a particularly proud day for Donald Hunter, founder chairman and fund-raiser of the Dover and District Merchant Navy Memorial Fund, who had launched the appeal.

Merchant Navy seafarers have supported the armed services in many wars, and thousands have lost their lives serving their country.

More than 33,000 died during the Second World War alone.

Thousands of ships were lost, and more than 7,500 were held in prisoner of war camps.

Around 300 people attended the unveiling, which was preceded by a parade of veterans with their standards. Music was provided by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

Winston Churchill, grandson of the war-time Prime Minister, unveiled the statue and paid tribute to Mr Hunter for his work.

Among those laying wreaths were national, county and local representatives from the Merchant Navy Association, and the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association, The Sailors’ Society, Prince of Wales Sea Training School, Dover, Royal Naval and Royal Marine Club, Green Beret and Royal Marine Association, several local branches of the Royal British Legion, and Dover Harbour Board.