A NEW branch of the Merchant Navy Association has been formed covering the Weymouth and Portland district.
The inaugural meeting was held at the Royal Dorset yacht Club in Weymouth.
National chairman Captain John Sail was present for the launch and he emphasised the Associations goal of bringing together both serving and retired merchant seamen and the work they do.
Future meetings of the branch will be held on the third Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the RDYC.
The first event for the branch will be to lead the MNA contingent in the Veterans parade in Weymouth on June 13th.
PICTURE: LAUNCHING THE BRANCH - From the left are national membership secretary David Dade, national chairman Captain John Sail, new branch chairman Captain Paul Compton and members John Hamilton and Gareth Peaston.