CROWDS lined the streets to welcome the crew of HMS Ocean as they were given the first Freedom of the City of Sunderland.

Sailors marched in full uniform for the parade, accompanied by the Royal Marines Band while onlookers waved Union Flags.

Sunderland-born Logistics Commander Ian Herrington said: "The freedom of the city is great honour for us and further cements our affiliation.

"It is a coming together of both sides and what it entitles us to do is secondary.

"To march down the street with bayonets fixed with the drum playing was great.

"It speaks volumes about how much Sunderland and how much this ship feels about its affiliation."

One of Sunderland's famous daughters, Kate Adie, attended the ceremony at the Civic Centre.

As a war journalist she has reported from Ocean on a number of occasions and she was the last Freeman of the old Borough of Sunderland before it acquired city status in 1992.

Captain Troy Johnstone-Burt said: "We have been very, very excited about it and the crew are cock-a-hoop about the whole visit.

"The freedom of the city is the most glorious, most prestigious accolade you could give anybody.

"To be the freeman of the city is the most brilliant highlight of anybody's life."

Sunderland Council decked the parade route out in banners to welcome the ship's company.

Council leader Bob Symonds said: "This is a very historic day, not only for the Captain and crew of HMS Ocean but for the city itself.

"There is no doubt they are more than worthy of this accolade."