NEW Brighton is preparing to welcome the crew and cadets of HMS Astute and Wallasey Sea Cadets for a Freedom Parade as they receive Wirral’s highest honour.

The parade will mark the close bond between the borough and the Royal Navy and looks set to be a day to remember for crew, cadets, families and spectators alike.

Accompanied by the Band of the Royal Armoured Corps and with flags and standards flying, the march, on Sunday, September 20, will circuit the resort before finishing at Fort Perch Rock.

Mayor of Wirral  Cllr Les Rowlands said: "Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour the council proffer and we’re hoping for a fantastic turnout from Wirral residents to cheer them on.

"There’s lots to see and do in the resort afterwards so why not make a family day of it. We’ve all got our fingers crossed for good weather and a wonderful Wirral welcome."

After a service at 10am at St Nicholas’s Church, Wallasey, the companies of HMS and TS Astute will line up outside the fortat 11am, before moving to the Floral Pavilion Theatre, where Freedom of Entry to the Borough will be granted at 11.15am.

From 11.45am, the crew and cadets will parade around New Brighton, including Victoria Parade, Victoria Road, Rowson Street, and Marine Promenade, before finishing back at at the fort at around 12.15pm.

The council advises there will be some temporary changes to traffic and parking restrictions plus a rolling road block to facilitate the parade.

Organisers expect traffic to return to normal by around 1pm.