Pictures from Merchant Navy Day service in South Shields as tributes paid to South Tyneside's maritime past

A service and wreath-laying ceremony were held in South Shields on Saturday, September 3 – Merchant Navy Day – in recognition of South Tyneside’s proud maritime heritage and history.

Held at the Mission to Seafarers cha pel and Merchant Navy memorial at Mill Dam, the events paid tribute to the ‘often forgotten and invisible, but very hard-working’ seafarers who have played a huge part in South Tyneside life.

Over the years, there have been thousands of seafarers to call the borough home, while many more have been welcomed to the area as their ships visited the River Tyne.

For more information about Merchant Navy Day and how you can play a part, visit the Seafarers’ Charity online here.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the pictures from our photographer Kevin Brady, taken at Saturday’s event.