THE 201st anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of the Admiral Lord Nelson was commemorated with a parade and open air service in Margate.

The event, organised by the town’s Royal Naval Association, included a procession from St Paul’s Road in Cliftonville to the war memorial at nearby Trinity Hill.

It was led by the band and corps of Margate Sea Cadets from TS Jamaica who were followed by RNA groups from around east Kent carrying their standards.

The service was conducted by the assistant priest of Margate, the Rev Janet Tully. It was followed by a get-together at the Mountbatten suite at Margate Royal British Legion headquarters.

Margate RNA chairman Harry Allen said: "We have observed Trafalgar Day for many years and I am glad that we got a good turn out of support, despite the threat of rain. It is an important moment in our country’s maritime history and it should be marked with respect."