HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Durham to welcome the sailors of HMS Bulwark as they exercised their freedom of the city.

About 300 sailors and marines, led by a marching band, paraded through Durham City during their three-day stay in the North-East.

The ship, which is affiliated with County Durham, was granted the freedom of the city in 2010, which gives it the right to march with “swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying”.

Following an inspection on the Racecourse, they were led by two police horses and a band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines (Portsmouth), making quite a scene as they made their way along Old Elvet and across Elvet Bridge towards Palace Green.

There was an emotional response from some of the crowds who turned out to clap and cheer the crew while many more lined the streets and hung out of windows to get a good look, and a good photograph, of the parade as it passed.

Once stationed outside Durham Cathedral, hundreds of people gathered to listen to speeches on Palace Green.

Lord-Lieutenant Sue Snowdon welcomed the sailors to Durham.

She said: “The affiliation with HMS Bulwark means so much to our city and our county. It is immensely valued and so appropriate that it was awarded the freedom of the city of Durham. I know many residents and many young people follow you as you tour the world and are enormously interested in what you do."

Durham Mayor Eddie Bell said: “Many nautical miles have been sailed since we last greeted some of you and it’s true to say we have missed your presence in County Durham.

“County Durham is rightly very proud to its association with HMS Bulwark and it’s always a privilege to meet up with you.”

The mayor presented Captain James Parkin with an Old Elvet road sign, which will be hung in the ship along with others from Durham City, which are already onboard.

In return, he presented the City of Durham with the white ensign which was flying from HMS Bulwark as it sailed into Sunderland.

Captain Parkin said: “Devonport may be our base port but Durham is our home. “

HMS Bulwark will be taking part in Sunderland International Air Show tomorrow (Saturday), putting on a display of its amphibious capabilities before returning to Plymouth.

This will be the last time in is in the North-East for at least six years as it is due for a refit and is handing over duties as Fleet Amphibious Flagship to HMS Albion later this year.