THE crew of one of Britain's warships enjoyed the freedom of its adopted city on Saturday.

Crowds watched as sailors from HMS York marched through the the city, led by the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland.

The ship's crew paraded at York Minster and it was followed by an inspection by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Irene Waudby, who took the salute at the Mansion House.

The company then marched through the city with band playing, bayonets fixed and colours flying.

The ship was granted the freedom of the city of York in 1991 and this was the third time in recent years that it has exercised its right.

It was part of a week of events by the ship's crew, which also included an open day on HMS York, when first amongvisitors were pupils from the city's Galtres Special Needs School.

The band of HM Royal Marines also entertained crowds last night at a charity concert in the Grand Opera House.