Officers and enlisted men from HMS Monmouth took the opportunity on Sunday 29th September, to exercise the freedom of the town by marching with 'drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed'.

The Plymouth-based warship celebrated her 20th year of service on May 20th this year and was given the Freedom of Monmouth – her affiliate town – in January 2004.

Led by the band of the Royal Marines, 150 of the ship's officers and enlisted men stepped off from the Castle Parade ground to an inspection outside the Shire Hall by the mayor of Monmouth and the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent, Simon Boyle, and following a short address, the official request to exercise the Freedom of the Town of Monmouth was made.

A senior member of the ship's crew, Warrant Officer 2 Mat Napper, pictured right, presented the mayor, Jeana Hall with the Ceremonial Scroll marking HMS Monmouth's right to march through the town.

On welcoming the ship's company, Jeana Hall said; "we have enjoyed strong links with the ship since her commissioning in 1993 and extend a warm welcome to the Commanding Officer, officers and men of HMS Monmouth. It is a privilege to see you formed up in our town and I am proud to offer you the chance to exercise your freedom of the town."

HMS Monmouth's Commanding Officer, Commander Gordon Ruddock, thanked everyone for the warm welcome and joked that he was sorry he could not have got the ship up the river all the way to the bridge.

"It is particularly special for us to be made so welcome in a town that is not physically connected to the sea. We are extremely lucky to have such close links and a friendly partnership with the town and county as the naval links are strong in Monmouth.

"Whether it is the Naval Temple on the Kymin, the Nelson Museum and Gardens, or your enthusiastic, strong and vibrant Royal Naval Association, Royal Navy heritage and presence is alive and well here.

"We have recently returned from a seven month deployment to the Arabian Gulf; our time away included the conduct of maritime security surveillance, anti-piracy patrols and international engagement in the Middle East.

"This will be the last time we will be abe to bring the ship for a visit, after a few months of exercising around the UK; the Black Duke will be going into deep maintenance after Christmas and the majority of the ship's company will be dispersing to new challenges".

Berthing alongside Britannia Quay in Cardiff from the afternoon of Friday 28th September, the ship was open to the general public where visitors were given a unique glimpse into life in today's Royal Navy.

The crew enjoyed a football match last night, Tuesday 1st October against the town's first team who are currently standing second in the Welsh League First Division last night.

It was a friendly match and the final score was insignificant compared to the strong bond made between the sailors and Monmouth's finest.