CREW members of HMS Ramsey welcomed the public to their vessel at the weekend in Barrow as part of a poignant celebration in the town.

A parade involving the platoons of six navy vessels led by a 24-man guard from the band of HM Royal Marines marched through the streets of Barrow on Saturday.

The celebration marked 15 years since the Royal Navy Submarine Service was given the Freedom of the Borough of Barrow, and HMS Ramsey was berthed at the Town Quay. She was open to the public on Saturday and Sunday.

READ MORE: Barrow honours submarine ties with parade

Involving the public

Trainee officer, Chris Fraser-Shaw, said that the chance for the public to experience what the navy has to offer is an excellent and important mission.

He said: "It's brilliant, because a lot of people don't have much of an interaction with the armed forces, especially the navy.

"It is good that they (the navy) are making a big deal of getting people on board. In Belfast, over the space of three days we had nearly 6,000 people on board.

"The shipping background (in Barrow) is part of the core here. We're part of a town that really does value it. It should make for a really good few days."

The vessel, as well as being a public attraction for the weekend also helped to facilitate the arrangements for the march on Saturday.

Last week, Barrow mayor, Councillor Anita Husband, said: "We are delighted to welcome HMS Ramsey to Barrow, and we are particularly proud that the submarine service is parading in the town to celebrate their freedom of the borough."