A SERVICE will be held in Helensburgh this weekend to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.

The battle, which lasted from September 1939 until the defeat of Germany in 1945, was the longest continuous military campaign of the Second World War.

To mark the 80th anniversary of the battle, and the Clyde’s role in it, a service will be held in St Michael and All Angels Church in the town's William Street on Sunday, May 28 at 10:30am.

This will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial in Hermitage Park, starting at 12.15pm.

Helensburgh Advertiser: First convoy of World War II, leaving the Clyde, on September, 4, 1939.

Among the VIPs attending the commemoration will be the recipients of the Atlantic Star (WW2 Medal).

Family members of holders of the medal are particularly welcome to attend, with their relative’s medal, or if not available a photo or other record. It is hoped to have as many ‘Stars’ attending as possible, including from the Merchant Navy.

Later that day, at 2.30pm, a ceremony will take place at the Rosneath Cairn (adjacent to the sailing club at Rosneath Caravan Site).

Captain Nick Gibbons, Captain of the Faslane Naval Base, will attend the service in Helensburgh.

Over the weekend, Royal Navy vessels, led by HMS Defender, will gather in Liverpool with other Allied ships for three days of commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the longest, hardest naval battle in British history.