WITH bayonets fixed and colours flying, sailors from HMS Collingwood looked ready for action as they marched through Fareham.

But they were simply exercising their rights through having the freedom of the borough.

Hundreds of people gathered in the West Street precinct to watch the special medal ceremony celebrating the achievements of recruits, and marking the Royal Navy training facility’s links with the town.

More than 200 seamen and women paraded through the streets before and after the service on Saturday, the first time HMS Collingwood has exercised its rights since the Falklands War 25th anniversary commemorations in 2007.

Retired engineer Peter Williams, 78, from Downside, Gosport, said: “I came specially to see this, and it’s fantastic.

It means a lot because they do a lot of things for the area.”

Former Navy Wren Ruth Peachey, 78, of Maylings Farm Road, Fareham, said: “It’s very good, and it’s nice to hear the music.”