Almost 200 crew from Durham’s affiliated warship marched through its streets yesterday, to celebrate being awarded the freedom of the city. Mark Tallentire reports.

YOU should have seen the horses – they were massive.”

That was the verdict of one wide-eyed youngster among the hundreds who lined Durham’s streets to salute their sailor heroes.

Sitting on the cobbles, excited schoolchildren waited excitedly, grasping union flags and lifting high homemade banners.

Shortly after 1.30pm, the marching sounds of Colonel Bogey began to echo down Old Elvet: the moment was here, heralded by raucous cheering, huge applause and much flag waving.

Led by two police horses and the Band of HM Royal Marines (Plymouth), about 180 crew members from HMS Bulwark progressed speedily towards Saddler Street up to Palace Green.

Most tried to maintain their military focus – though not all could entirely hide a proud smile.

Around them, it seemed the whole city had come out to say thank you.

Sandwich makers from Subway laid down their butter knives, couples looked on from the windows of Chapters tea rooms; even the regulars from the Swan and Three Cygnets came out into the daylight.

On Palace Green, the Freedom Parade was inspected by dignitaries including Sir Paul Nicholson, the Lord Lieutenant of Durham, Councillor Les Thomson, the Mayor of Durham, and Coun Dennis Morgan, chairman of Durham County Council.

Hundreds hummed along as the band played a programme including Gresford, known as the miners’ hymn, and the Rod Stewart hit We Are Sailing.

Perhaps the best viewpoint was held by a group of workers in hard hats, looking down from the raised Norman keep of Durham Castle.

Sir Paul said it was a very proud day for Durham and urged citizens to be constantly conscious of the Navy’s “enormous sacrifice”.

Captain Alex Burton, HMS Bulwark’s commanding officer, said it was a privilege to be marching through Durham and his crew was able to perform its heroics in Afghanistan and elsewhere because of the fantastic support of the country and particularly its affiliated towns and cities.

A Durham Cathedral service of thanksgiving followed, led by the vice-dean, Canon David Kennedy, and including a sermon by the Reverend David Roissetter, chaplain of HMS Bulwark.

The crew was granted the Freedom of Durham, giving the right to parade through the city, two years ago.

During a five-day visit to the North-East, for which the ship has been at North Shields, crew members have also met civic leaders and others and competed in sports matches. They are due to return to their home base of Devonport today.