A MEMORIAL service was held on Sunday morning to commemorate the daring World War One raid on the port of Zeebrugge.

This year marked the 96th anniversary of the storming of the German stronghold, when two Wallasey ferry boats covered themselves in glory by forming part of the Royal Navy strike-force in April, 1918.

The ferry boats Iris and Daffodil carried Royal Marines and Bluejackets into the battle inferno.

The action – which eventually freed the channel ports from German control – is commemorated every year with a special ceremony at Seacombe Ferry Concourse.

On Sunday, Royal Marines veterans – some from as far away as London – made the annual journey to Wirral to take part in a poignant ceremony of remembrance.

Wreaths dedicated to the fallen were laid at the Royal Marines Association memorial at the ferry terminal and further floral tributes were cast into the Mersey from the decks of a ferry boat.

The Royal Marines Reserve then exercised their Freedom of the Borough to march from the ferry terminal to Wallasey Town Hall.

Lorna Muirhead, Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, was among those laying wreaths at a service before the freedom parade along Church Street and Brighton Street to the town hall.

The Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Dave Mitchell, then took the salute on Brighton Street in Wallasey.

He said afterwards: "It was with great pride that I was able to take the salute on behalf of the people of Wirral, and the event was even more special given that the Royal Marines are one of our oldest regiments.

"It was a wonderful parade, supported by a large crowd and blessed by good weather."