A gun shot resounded along Yarmouth's coastline today as a special ceremony was held to mark the exact time Norfolk's greatest hero Lord Nelson was struck down at the battle of Trafalgar.

A gunshot resounded along Yarmouth's coastline today as a special ceremony was held to mark the exact time Norfolk's greatest hero Lord Nelson was struck down at the battle of Trafalgar.

The event at the town's 144ft tall Nelson's Monument saw a large crowd gather to commemorate the death of the naval genius, who died on October 21, 1805 after he was hit by a French musket ball as he stood on the deck of HMS Victory.

At 1.15pm Napoleonic War re-enactors the East Norfolk Militia fired a single shot from a brown Bess musket, the gun which was used to snipe at Nelson.

The ceremony was the only one of its kind to be held in Norfolk and before a short service by Canon Michael Woods

Naval cadets from TS Warrior led a procession along the seafront.

Barry Stone, deputy leader of Yarmouth Borough Council, said that the commemorations would now be held every year in recognition of Nelson's unique place in the region's history.

Faith Carpenter, curator of the Norfolk Nelson Museum and who told the crowd about the history of Trafalgar, said: “It is only right that we commemorate Nelson's sacrifice, as well as those who died and were injured alongside him at the battle.”

After the ceremony rum punch was handed out as people raised their glasses to make a toast to Lord Nelson.