HMS Raleigh will exercise its right to the Freedom of Torpoint tomorrow, Sunday, October 2, with a 350-strong march through the streets of the town.

The Royal Navy training establishment will parade at the invitation of the Mayor and Council and was first granted the right to march through Torpoint with ’swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and Colours flying’ in 1997.

This year’s parade will consist of a Guard of Honour formed by recruits in the penultimate week of their 10 week initial naval training course. They will be joined by 10 platoons made up of Royal Navy personnel of all ranks and recruits at varying stages of training. The parade will be led by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth.

The parade will start at Carbeile School at 10.45am and march along Antony Road to the ferry lanes where the Mayor of Torpoint, Councillor John Crago, will inspect the parade.

Councillor Crago said: ’Raleigh remains a key part of Torpoint, providing employment for our civilian population and helping out within the community whenever possible. Every Royal Navy rating and a lot of the Officers know of our existence through starting their careers at HMS Raleigh and we have a regular influx of families coming through the town to attend the passing-out-parade. I’d urge the people of Torpoint to come out on Sunday to see the parade and show their appreciation and support.’

On completion of the inspection, the parade will march through the streets again, past the Torpoint Comrades Club in Antony Road, where the Mayor will take the salute.

Since being granted Freedom of entry in 1997, HMS Raleigh has exercised the right to march on a regular basis, with the last time being in 2013.