THE crew of HMS St Albans made history two weekends ago when they exercised their right to march through the city centre for the first time.

Crowds lined the city’s streets on the Sunday to watch the Freedom Parade, which began outside the Civic Offices at 11am.

HMS St Albans’ commanding officer Andrew Block led the parade through Bricket Road and Victoria Street before stopping in St Peter’s Street where a small service and inspection was held.

The sailors marched to music provided by the Band of HM Royal Marines Collingwood and were also joined along the route by St Albans Sea Cadets and Reservists from HMS Wildfire in Northwood.

After the parade Commander Block presented St Albans Sea Cadets with a burgee – the highest award in the Sea Cadet Corps – in recognition of the unit’s achievements over the last year.

Steve Heard, the cadet’s officer in charge, said: “It was an amazing day. We have a great relationship with the ship and we were delighted to be asked to be part of the event. We were particularly pleased that Commander Block was able to make the presentation to us.

“We have worked hard over the last few years to raise our standards and to reach burgee standard so quickly is a testament to the volunteer staff and cadets.”