Portsmouth sailors provide the guard of honour for First World War march

The ship’s company of HMS Ledbury provided the guard of honour during the celebration in the town centre of Ledbury on Armed Forces Day.

It was a welcome break for the minehunter’s crew, who have been busy preparing its next deployment after a long period of refit and engine replacement.

Speaking of joining Saturday’s march, Ledbury’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Tom Trent said: ‘The focus for my ship’s company has been so much “eyes in the boat” as we recover from a lengthy period of refit that an opportunity such as this, to march within the town of our ship’s name, is one we all relish.

‘I would like to extend thanks to the town council for the invitation and I’m sure that the day will pass as a fitting tribute to all’

HMS Ledbury has close links with the town sharing her name.

In 2007 the warship and her ship’s company were granted the freedom of Ledbury.

Since then, the town has had regular visits from the Portsmouth warship’s crew.

The latest march was part of the Herefordshire’s five-year programme to commemorate all those killed in the First World War.

Particular focus for this year’s ceremony was on the thousands killed in the Battle of Jutland 100 years ago and those who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme.