The ships company of HMS Quorn have exercised the historic right to March through the town of Melton Mowbray, a strong affiliate to the ship.
A large crowd attended the parade, despite the cold weather, to witness the first time the right to march has been exercised since the freedom was awarded in 2006.
Local Sea Cadets and Air Cadets marched alongside the ship's company, emphasising strong community ties with the local area.
The parade mustered in front of local dignitaries for the Inspection of the guard, and the formalities of requesting permission to march. Mayor of Melton David Wright said:
"It gives me great pleasure to welcome the Captain, Lieutenant Commander Conor O’Neill, and the ship’s company of HMS Quorn back to Melton to exercise their right of passage through the borough for the first time.
"The borough is honoured to be associated with HMS Quorn and support Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. The ship has been associated with Melton Council since it was launched in 1989. Due to the ship’s minesweeping capabilities it has saved British lives both here and abroad.
"For a ship stationed so far away to be affiliated with a borough like Melton enables people from our land-locked area to learn about and support our Royal Naval activities. The shared desire to connect with each other has created a strong relationship between the council and the ship."
Lt Cdr O'Neill said the ship's company was honoured to be able to exercise its freedom of entry to the Melton borough, saying it 'affirmed HMS Quorn's links with Melton and the region that were rekindled in 1989' when a party from the ship made its first visit to affiliates in Melton.
After the parade he said: "It was great to see so many people from Melton who turned out. It's been a fantastic day and we’ve really enjoyed it."
ET(ME) Moran said "We don't often get to do things like this, so its nice to do, and to do something different."
