Town parade in Kent for retiring frigate HMS Chatham

The Plymouth-based ship last visited Chatham Dockyard on Remembrance Day last year

The Royal Navy will march through the streets of Chatham to mark HMS Chatham's end of service, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

The Strategic Defence and Security Review in October revealed the Royal Naval frigate would be withdrawn from service.

The ship's company will be joined by the Band of the Royal Marines for a parade through the town on 12 February.

The Plymouth-based ship last visited Chatham Dockyard on Remembrance Day.

An MoD spokesman said: "It's just three months since the ship's recent visit to Chatham when thousands of local people came to visit her, reflecting the Medway Towns long and happy affection for the Royal Navy.

"Despite the town's naval connections stretching back hundreds of years, this could be last time the Royal Navy will parade through the streets of Chatham.

"It's hoped that as many people as possible will be out to give the ship's company a farewell that will be long remembered."