The Royal Navy will fix bayonets to march through Dartmouth tomorrow to exercise a unique honour for the first time in more than 50 years.

More then 100 Britannia Royal Naval College cadets and personnel will form up with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying as they parade through the town.

It is believed it will be the first time the town has seen the spectacle since the college exercised its rights to Freedom of the Town in 1956.

On that occasion the mayor who took the salute during the parade was Dolly Holwill. This year it will be mayor Paul Allen who will be doing the honours.

He said: 'Dartmouth has an enviable tradition of association with the Royal Navy, and especially with the 150th celebration of Britannia Royal Naval College being so splendidly celebrated by exercising their right of entry into the town.

'Not only do the town and its' inhabitants value the role of tradition, but more importantly, are conscious of the present, sometimes, day to day, service and involvement from officers, staff and cadets who contribute to the vibrant life of our community. '

Among the organisers of the parade is Master-At-Arms Richard 'Ted' Heath who was brought up in the Dartmouth area.

MAA Heath became the fifth member of his family to join the Royal Navy in 1986 following in the footsteps of his father a Dartmothian, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather.

The 44-year-old said: 'I am very proud to be part of the freedom parade.

'My family has been connected in one way or another to Dartmouth and the college for many years. It is always a pleasure to be part of any evolution that shows the local community the core values and standards of the Royal Navy.

'The experience, however, will be enhanced knowing the association that my family has with the town. This personally will be an emotional tribute to my grandfather and uncle who sadly passed away this year.'

The BRNC was awarded the Freedom of Dartmouth in 1955 to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the BRNC training complex.

The parade will be led by the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, and will also include a ceremonial guard of honour.

It will leave the college at 3pm and march along the embankment to the Guildhall on Victoria Road where Cllr Allen will inspect the parade, accompanied by the Captain of BRNC, Cpt Jerry Kyd.

Cpt Kyd said: 'Being awarded the freedom of entry is one of the highest honours a town can bestow upon a military unit. It dates back to medieval times when allowing an armed body of men to enter a town or city was a demonstration of trust.'

After the inspection, the march will resume through the town and back along the North Embankment.