Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines march through Poole on Freedom Parade

Sailors and Royal Marines have paraded through the streets of Poole in celebration of HMS Cattistock being granted the freedom of the borough.

Over 70 service personnel along with The Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Band Plymouth exercised their freedom by marching around the streets of the coastal town.

The freedom of a town or city is the highest honour that can bestowed upon one of His Majesty's ships or a formed military unit by a civic authority, and is rarely given.

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HMS Cattistock, a Hunt-class minehunter, is affiliated with the town of Poole and the village of Cattistock, and was berthed alongside Poole Quay where the Mayor of Poole, Councillor Jo Clements presented the Freedom Scroll.

Following the presentation the entire ship's company, led by the Royal Marines band, marched a circular route through the town, parading along The Quay past HMS Cattistock, up the High Street and back to the departure point.

Lieutenant Commander Jonny Campbell, the Commanding Officer, said: "The affiliation between HMS Cattistock and the people of Poole and village of Cattistock is long established and remains an important link.

"In 1944 an earlier ship of the same name protected minesweepers in the days and hours before D-Day at Normandy, and now it is us who hunt and clear mines to protect our country.

"We have always been warmly welcomed by Poole and hugely enjoy visiting to see our friends including cadets, schools and the maritime community.

"I am really pleased that the ship can visit again and maintain the link between the British people and the Royal Navy. We cannot wait to return to our favourite port."

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Jo Clements was "delighted" to formally admit HMS Cattistock the Freedom of the Town of Poole – the first ship to be granted this honour."

She highlighted the "proud history of service" in Poole and the "close working relationship over the last decade".

"The officers and crew have regularly supported Poole's Annual Service of Remembrance as well as forging strong links with the town’s uniformed youth and veteran groups," she said.

"When operationally possible the ship's company have also hosted visits from the Poole Sea Cadets, the RNLI Lifeboat volunteers and local veteran associations, demonstrating their commitment to fully engage with the community and residents of Poole".