The courage of a national hero was remembered in Great Yarmouth when dozens of people gathered at the foot of Nelson’s Monument to mark Trafalgar Day.

More than 90 people clutched service sheets and sang hymns to commemorate Admiral Lord Nelson, who died 206 years ago last Friday during England’s greatest naval victory, the Battle of Trafalgar.

The service, conducted by Rev Chris Terry, was introduced by the horns and military drums of the Winterton Marine Cadets Band who led a procession from South Beach Parade to the steps of the 44-metre high monument.

A tot of rum was handed out to guests at the service where a toast was made to the memory of the Norfolk-born Admiral.

Barry Coleman, mayor of Great Yarmouth, said: “The fact that Nelson is a Norfolk person, and a Yarmouth person, means it’s even more important that we remember this dramatic event that shaped our history.”

Suzanne Long, 49, or Gorleston, has been attending the ceremony for the past 30 years. She said: “I bring flowers to the memorial on this day every year. I’ve always been a bit obsessed with Nelson ever since I was a youngster.

“He was perceived as being arrogant, but I think he is a genius nonetheless.”

Meanwhile, celebrations continued long into the evening with the annual Trafalgar Night Dinner

The event, held at the Imperial Hotel, Great Yarmouth, included speeches by the mayor Barry Coleman and Royal Navy Commander Eric Langley.

The evening concluded with a raffle and an auction conducted by Rev Peter Paine. A total of �340 was raised for the Area Sea Cadet Corps.