The parade fell in on Castle Square in Chester and proceeded to Bridge Street for a march past in front of the Lord Mayor.

>> SLIDESHOW: HMS Albion parade through Chester

The crew of the 18,500 tonne amphibious assault ship, HMS Albion, celebrated its freedom of Chester right to parade through the city's streets for the first time in more than two years.

All ships and submarines of the Royal Navy are affiliated to different towns, cities and regions.

This strengthens the Royal Navy's ties with important communities, including organisations such as naval associations, youth groups and charities.

HMS Albion is no different and has enjoyed close ties with the city of Chester since she was accepted into the fleet in 2003.

Members of her 300 strong crew will travel to Chester from Liverpool, where the ship will be enjoying a five-day visit, berthed at Liverpool's new Cruise Liner Terminal.

The Commanding Officer, Captain Wayne Keble, said: "Following an intense but rewarding deployment to West Africa, which included training with the armed forces of both Nigeria and Sierra Leone, the ship's company very much looked forward to our visit to Liverpool.

"However, the real purpose of the visit was to renew ties with Chester with the highlight most definitely our freedom of the city march.

"Albion has enjoyed strong links with the city of Chester since her commissioning and our welcome is always warm and friendly.

"We relish the opportunity to reaffirm our strong affection for the city and her people and help reinforce the relationship the Royal Navy enjoys with the North West."

>> CLICK HERE to see our exclusive slideshow of HMS Albion's crew parading through Chester

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