A secret tunnel in Tenby used as an escape route for a future medieval king should be marked as a tourist attraction, a local councillor has urged.

Councillor Vivian Hay will ask Pembrokeshire County Council for funds to erect a stone plinth detailing Henry Tudor's dramatic escape in the 15th Century.

Henry VI was murdered in the Tower of London

The king-in-waiting had taken refuge in Pembroke Castle during the War of the Roses, but had to flee after it became surrounded by enemy Yorkist forces.

Mr Hay believes that the tunnel could become beneficial in attracting visitors to the seaside town.

"There is a small plaque on Boots the Chemists detailing their mission but I feel this is not sufficient recognition for what they did," he said.

Mr Hay, whose ancestor Mayor Thomas White helped Henry Tudor and his escape party in 1471, hopes that money will be made available to put up a monument to the break out.

"I feel a plinth of stone on the harbour would be a fitting memorial," said Mr Hay.

I think tourism is the life-blood of Tenby, anything we can help to mark the resort is a good thing Councillor Vivian Hay

The tunnel, which runs a short distance under the streets of the town, is not accessible to the public.

It was used by Henry, who was the only Lancastrian claimant to the throne after the murder of Henry VI.

After leaving Pembroke Castle, Henry and his uncle Jasper Tudor used the route to get to the harbour as they fled to France via Tenby.

Fourteen years later, he returned with an army of 2,000 men to defeat Richard III at Bosworth.

A large monument to Henry's return to Welsh shores stands at nearby Mill Bay on the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Henry Tudor escaped to France via Tenby harbour

"Historians say Henry was a good king," said Mr Hay, who has traced his family tree back to 1392.

"I think tourism is the life-blood of Tenby - anything we can help to mark the resort is a good thing," he said

"I think Cornwall or anywhere else would publicise it, and they would milk it as much as they could for the tourists.

"I think it would be for the benefit of Tenby," he added.

A spokesperson for Boots the Chemist said: "We would be interested in hearing anything more about plans for the area."