The first Royal Navy vessel to visit Queenborough in 16 years took part in this year’s Wildfire III reunion parade.

HMS Puncher, an Archer class patrol craft, was moored in the town on Sunday for the annual event which commemorates the role of the Second World War minesweeping base.

The last time a military ship came to the town was in 1999 when HMS Pursuer arrived.

Members from the Royal Naval Reserve Unit, the Medway detachment of HMS President and a crew from the University Royal Naval unit in London also attended with the students falling in behind Sheerness and Sittingbourne Sea Cadets in the parade.

After the procession along the High Street, veterans and dignitaries filled Elephant Park to listen to a service.

HMS Puncher’s Lt PJ Seabrook, 25, is the youngest commanding officer serving in the Royal Navy.

He said: “The day went really well. People seemed really keen on the ship. Members of the local council took a look around and a couple of local residents expressed an interest.”