Hull's Merchant Navy memorial unveiled

The memorial honours the lives lost at sea in peace and war

A memorial to the seamen of the Merchant Navy in the shape of a ship's bow, has been unveiled in Hull.

The 13 ft-high (4 metre) memorial in Paragon Street is close to the city's maritime museum.

It honours the lives lost at sea in peace and war and was commissioned by the Merchant Navy Association.

Councillor Stephen Brady, leader of Hull City Council, said the £30,000 memorial was "something I feel the city should have had long ago".

It was a "reminder of the sacrifices and contributions made to the city by the Merchant Navy", he added.

Eddie Piercy, chairman of Hull Independent Merchant Navy Association, said the seamen's contribution to the "wealth, culture and heritage of Hull has been instrumental in giving the city its own distinctive independent character."

King George V granted the title Merchant Navy to the UK's shipping industry after World War One to recognise the seamen's contribution to the battle.

The UK's merchant fleet was the largest in the world during World Wars One and Two.