The annual Wildfire III parade and memorial service takes place on Sunday.

Hundreds of people are expected to take part in the event to commemorate the Royal Navy’s former minesweeping base in Queenborough, HMS Wildfire III.

Ex-servicemen and women will gather at Holy Trinity Church in High Street, Queenborough, and the parade will start at 1.45pm, with a service in Queenborough Park at the bottom of the road at 2pm.

This year the memorial service will be led by Padre Gordon Warren RN (Hon). It will be followed by a buffet and entertainment for veterans at Queenborough Social Club in North Road.

The event has been organised and funded by the Queenborough and District Naval Ensign Association after Swale council pulled the plug on funding as part of the plan to save £5 million in three years.

Between £2,500 and £3,000 had to be raised by the association to keep the event running.

The annual G. Hogben and Sons funeral directors’ memorial service in June made £340 for the event and a tombola at the annual Queenborough Street Market in July raised £170.

Janet Flew, secretary of the association, said the group had also organised fundraising activities, and there was an increased donation from Queenborough Town Council, a grant from Cllr Mick Constable’s community allowance, and another £100 after Cllr Jackie Constable was sponsored to take part in the World Walking the Plank Championships.

The association has organised a Wildfire fundraiser on Friday.

A quiz night will be held at Queenborough Social Club, in North Road, starting at 7.30pm.

Teams of six to eight are needed at a cost of £3.50 per head, which includes a sausage and chip supper. Call Janet Flew on 01795 663784.