PORTLANDERS declared it a ‘proud and moving day’ when the island’s namesake warship crew exercised their freedom of the borough with a parade.

Crowds of people turned out to watch the HMS Portland crew attend a service at the Cenotaph yesterday afternoon, before marching from The Heights hotel to Easton Square, led by the Portland Sea Cadet band.

Dignitaries and council and community representatives included Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Jeremy Pope, borough mayor Paul Kimber, Portland mayor David Thurston and the Rev Chris Briggs.

The Portland Branch of the Royal Naval Association also played a key role.

Liaison officer for the branch, Peter Shoesmith said: "The branch has a very strong affiliation with HMS Portland,and that is why we were very proud to have been invited by the Captain to march with the ship's company.

"We provided a platoon of around 20 members led by the Branch Standard ,and it was an honour to march behind the crew ,on what was a very momentous and heart-warming occasion."

Commander Mike Knott, commanding officer of the Royal Navy’s Type 23 4,900-tonne frigate, said: “We’re extremely proud and honoured to be able to exercise the freedom to march through Portland.

“In 2009, just prior to deploying to the south Atlantic, we marched through Weymouth and having returned from eight months away defending British interests, it was a fabulous opportunity to not only exercise the freedom of the borough on Portland but to celebrate the Royal Wedding and also to celebrate our 10th birthday.

“The ship was commissioned 10 years ago on May 3, it’s a very exciting weekend.”

He added: “The affiliation is two-fold – the borough of Weymouth and Portland, but also the Isle of Portland and its great naval heritage.

“There’s always going to be a strong affinity between the Navy and Portland even though the Navy is no longer based here.

“During this visit we’ve had lots of organised trips on board from schools, cadets, colleges and other youth and community groups.”

The two mayors presented Commander Knott with a Portland flag, who in return presented both mayors with £1,000 cheques from the ship’s fundraisers to go towards their chosen charities.

Coun Kimber said: “It’s been an absolutely fantastic day.

“We’re very proud of HMS Portland, what they’ve done and how well they’ve merged into the borough.

“They’ve become great friends of the borough.”

County councillor Les Ames said: “This is very important to Portland, we’re very proud of the island and proud to be associated with the ship.”

Town councillor Sandy West said: “I’m absolutely over the moon this was our ship coming home on their 10th anniversary, I’m really proud.

“I know some of the lads from when I was a dining room supervisor at Osprey.

“They’ve been presented with the Portland flag, I’m choked up. This shows what matters – the community coming together with no divides.”