FLAGS flew for a royal extravaganza in Fareham this lunchtime.

The Princess Royal watched as Navy personnel from HMS Collingwood exercised their “Freedom of the Borough” by marching through the town centre with traditional “bayonets fixed and flags a flying”.

They were led by the Royal Marines Band and hundreds turned out to show their support as they paraded through the streets.

Princess Anne also opened the newly renovated West Street play area, which has been given a makeover to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Princess Anne, who was wearing her Royal Navy uniform, met pupils from Wykham House School who had given their ideas for how the new play area would look.

Addressing the crowd, Commodore of HMS Collingwood, Mike Mansergh CBE, said: "This is a very fitting moment to personally thank her royal highness for the unstinting support she has given to HMS Collingwood and the Royal Navy, and to thank the people of Fareham for their generosity, their support and the close and very special binds of friendship inherent in our shared community."