BRIDPORT is preparing to mark the victory of a historic naval battle with a brand new flag.

Bridport Town Council was presented with a "brand spanking new" white ensign, the official emblem of the Royal Navy, in order to help celebrate Trafalgar Day later this month.

The celebration marks the victory by Nelson against the French and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar on October 21, 1805.

The new flag has been donated to the town council by the Bridport branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) after the existing flag was "starting to look a bit threadbare".

Vaughan Nelson presented the new white ensign to mayor of Bridport, Cllr Ros Kayes at the town hall on Monday.

Mr Nelson said: "It means that the town has got a standard ensign to fly at the appropriate occasion.

"The old standard was starting to look a bit threadbare. We were able to acquire a new one, so we are pleased to be able to give the town a brand spanking new ensign."

He added: "It is the standard banner that the Royal Navy flies.

"It is important that for Trafalgar Day, the town is able to fly the correct flag in the same way that the Union flag is flown on Remembrance Sunday. It's important to have the right standard ensign flown for the right occasion, for those associated with the Royal Navy and also the public."

Cllr Kayes said it was important for West Bay's maritime heritage to be recognised.

She said: "The town is very pleased to receive this.

"We can fly this one on the town hall flagpole if we like, and it is very nice to have.

"West Bay was a boat yard and we have got a proud naval history and it is really good to keep that tradition going."

A service will take place in West Bay to mark Trafalgar Day on Sunday, October 23.