A navy warship crew will exercise its right to march through Ipswich later this month “in a spectacle of sound and colour”.

Ipswich Star: H.M.S. Quorn entering Ipswich Docks in 2011H.M.S. Quorn entering Ipswich Docks in 2011

The Freedom March is hoped to add to the festive bustle of the town centre when HMS Quorn, which has been affiliated with Ipswich for five years and has received Freedom of the Borough, pays an official visit.

The captain and 45-strong crew of the Hunt class minesweeper will be welcomed by Ipswich mayor Bill Quinton, who will inspect the ship’s company in the Cornhill.

Mr Quinton said: “It is always a proud occasion for Ipswich to officiate at any event to honour ourArmed Services and HMS Quorn is particularly close to our hearts. I am sure many, many residents and visitors will take a break from their Christmas shopping to cheer the crew as they parade through the town centre. Let us show our Royal Navy friends what a real Ipswich welcome looks and sounds like.”

During the visit, HMS Quorn will be open to organised tours of the public and the crew will be taking part in community sports events to build on the close relationship with the town. More details will be released closer to the time of the visit

Details of the visit will be released by the Royal Navy over the next few days.