A march of more than 200 people took place in Trowbridge on Sunday to celebrate the Trowbridge and District White Ensign Association 75th anniversary.

The registered charity celebrated the milestone with a church parade and service of re-dedication of the Association Standard.

Trustee Graham Payne, who has been a member of the association since 1970 and a trustee since 1981, he said: “It was a first class parade on Sunday with 200 people on parade with 15 standards from various organisations from as far as Dorchester, Gloucestershire and Yeovil with lots of local organisations taking part as well.”

The parade formed at 2.30pm at Roundstone Street in Trowbridge and marched to United Church, led by the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band.

The service was conducted by the association chaplain, Reverend Canon Christopher Brown, assisted by Rev Ron Blick of the United Church.

Afterwards members marched back to their headquarters at Lovemead House with Wiltshire Council chairman Brigadier Robert Hall taking the salute with surgeon commander MP Andrew Murrison and the mayor of Trowbridge councillor Clive Blackmore.

Mr Payne added: “The weather made the day and everyone was really pleased with the result and fact that our efforts showed through during the celebrations.”

Following the service, the association’s 75th anniversary was toasted in true fashion with a ‘tot of naval rum to signify a job well done’.

The organisation, a Royal Navy and Royal Marines Old Comrades Association covering west Wiltshire, was established in 1936 with the objective of providing means of welfare and support for men and women who had served under the White Ensign.