THE crew of HMS York paraded through the streets of their namesake city today, exercising their right of Freedom of Entry.

A 200-strong contingent from the Type 24 destroyer was inspected by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Derek Smallwood, at Duncombe Place when they were granted permission to make a tour of the city centre.

In 1991 HMS York became the first Royal Navy ship to be granted Freedom of Entry to the city.

And before their parade the crew braved the elements to rehearse the ceremony in Hull, where HMS York is currently in port, having spent eight weeks on patrol in the Far East. Today the sailors, resplendent in their white belts and anklets, marched to St Helen's Square, led by the band of the Royal Marines.

Commander Steve Cleary, Captain of HMS York, said: "The Freedom of Entry dates to a time when the militia had to be barracked outside towns and cities because they were seen as hooligans and ruffians."But if a regiment did particularly well in battle they were allowed to parade through the city bearing arms and beating their drums."It was a great honour and one much sought after by all the regiments. It is only in the last 50 years or so that it has been extended to the Navy but it is one the ship's company is particularly proud of."

The Lord Mayor took the salute from outside his official home before the sailors returned to the Minster and then went on to a lunch at Imphal Barracks, hosted by 2 Signals Regiment. This evening officers from HMS York will attend evensong at the Minster.

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