French to sponsor Trafalgar celebrations

The Royal Navy is to hold a series of events to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, which secured Britain from the threat of the French and Spanish.

And one of the sponsors of the sixdaycommemoration is French arms company Thales. The Trafalgar 200 celebrations will take place from 28 June to 3 July in the Solent and the historic naval city of Portsmouth.

A total of 160 ships from 35 countries will join the international Fleet Review in Portsmouth on 28 June in front of the Queen. There will also be a recreation of the battle which will be seen by 10,000 spectators on the shore.

A spokeswoman for the event said the Navy had "no problem" with the French sponsor.

"Trafalgar 200 is not commemorating the defeat of the French; it's an international celebration of the sea," she said.

Meanwhile, another event will be held on 21 October, the day of the battle in 1805 which ensured Admiral Lord Nelson's heroic status following his death in action.