THE bill for a set of Royal Worcester porcelain ordered by Britain's greatest navy officer Horatio Nelson has finally been settled after 200 years

The sea-faring hero ordered hand-painted breakfast, dinner and tea ware when he visited the city in 1802 but was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar three years later, before having a chance to pay his debt.

At a special ceremony last night some of Lord Nelson's descendants watched as a cheque for £3,750 - today's equivalent of the £120 order - was finally handed over by a society honouring the 200th anniversary of his death.

"This is about remembering the links we had with Nelson when he ordered the products from us and contributing to the overall commemorations," said Royal Worcester contracts manager Robin Druett. Lord Nelson toured the factory of china-makers Chamberlain's, a forerunner to Royal Worcester, when he became a freeman of the city in 1802.

A report of the visit by the Berrow's Journal the following Wednesday said Nelson declared 'he had seen none equal to the productions of their manufactory: in testimony of which opinion he left a very large order'.

However, only the breakfast service - featuring his arms and insignia was completed by the time he died.

His mistress, Emma, Lady Hamilton, was never given the Navy pension Nelson wanted her to receive and died in poverty, unable to settle his debts.

Royal Worcester has donated the money to the Royal Navy Association. Among the guests at St Paul's Cathedral, London, was 75-year-old Anna Tribe, the great-great-great granddaughter of Nelson and Emma.

Mrs Tribe said: "I feel very proud of them both. I only wish I had some of the china for which the debt has been settled."

Royal Worcester has produced a limited edition range to honour Nelson and Lady Hamilton costing between £19.50 to £5,850.