A PUB on Portland celebrated a naval tradition in a special way.

Pubgoers and staff at the Corner House Inn, in Easton, gathered to celebrate the 'Death of the Tot' - in order to raise funds for MV Freedom - a boat which provides sea trips for people living with disabilities.

The rum tot, or ration, was a daily amount of rum given to sailors on Royal Navy ships, but it was abolished in 1970.

With the complex technology and advanced weaponry in operation on naval vessels, rum aboard ships was no longer seen as compatible, as there were now crews operating nuclear submarines who were still receiving a daily rum ration.

On July 20, 1970, after 239 years of tradition, a vote was put to Parliament to end the issuing of rum to the fleet. It was abolished 11 days later (31 July 1970),on what became known as Black Tot Day.

Kate Thomasson, manager of the Corner House Inn, said: "We celebrate the Death of the Tot every year.

"It was a 'tot' of rum given to the men in the navy everyday, but 51 years ago they stopped it.

"It's was a big day for the pub - we had an auction, barbecue, and have the trading tot sold to raise the money.

"This year we raised £1,700 in one day for MV Freedom - a charity that offer disabled people the chance to go on boat trips in Weymouth.

"We have lots more exciting new things coming up."

Portland itself has a long history associated with the Royal Navy, with Portland Harbour being built by the Admiralty as a facility for the Royal Navy - though access was also available to merchant ships.

A spokeswoman from the MV Freedom charity said: "It was absolutely brilliant to receive the news the pub raised the cash.

"Fundraising has been difficult for the past two years due to the pandemic, so it's much appreciated when go out of their way to help us.

"The journeys out into Weymouth Bay bringing passengers a lot of joy, and this money will help us continue that service."

The charity MV Freedom, established 36 years ago, provides sea access for those living with disability, military veterans, the deaf, blind, young adults, children and the elderly. Many are confined to wheelchairs, and often would have no other way of accessing life enhancing sea-going experiences and the therapeutic benefits.