Around 5,000 people from Torpoint, Plymouth and further afield have taken the opportunity to take a look behind the gates of HMS Raleigh during the establishment’s Open Day.

Key attractions included a display by the Royal Navy Raiders Parachute Display team when seven Service personnel dropped from the sky onto the establishment’s parade ground to the delight of the crowds.

There were also performances by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth, military working dogs and Field Gun runs featuring HMS Raleigh’s Field Crew and the Carbeile School Junior Field Gun teams.

Visitors were invited to look around the Royal Navy Submarine School and also see where the Royal Navy trains personnel to deal with emergencies at sea, including floods, fires and first-aid. An accommodation block where recruits live during their initial training was open to give the public a taste of life as a trainee sailor and visitors were also invited to put their best foot forward and join in with a marching lesson.

Other attractions of the day included various stands and demonstrations including a cooking demonstration by chefs and trainees at the Defence Maritime Logistics School based within HMS Raleigh. Visitors could also step aboard a Royal Marines Offshore Raiding Craft and take a closer at other military vehicles.