THE HMS Trincomalee provided the setting for this year's Mayor's Sunday service in Hartlepool.

The Mayor, Councillor Doug Ferriday, invited everyone in the town to attend the service and watch a parade led by the South Durham Pipes and Drum Band.

Free buses were laid on around the town to help residents get to the Historic Quay, where the Trincomalee, the second oldest warship afloat in the world, is docked.

The service was conducted by the mayor's chaplain, the Reverend Michael Gilbertson, from Stranton All Saints Parish Church.

Coun Ferriday said: "HMS Trincomalee provided a wonderful setting and I was glad to see people coming along to take part in such a memorable occasion."

Following the service, the parade marched past the Sir William Gary Suite at the quay for the mayor to take the salute.