Royal Marine reservists will parade through Wandsworth town centre next week in recognition of being awarded a Freedom of the Borough award.

Volunteers serving their country from the Royal Marines Reserve unit, whose headquarters are in Merton Road in Southfields, will take to the streets on Saturday January 28 in celebration of their links to Wandsworth.

Freedom of the Borough is an award given only in exceptional circumstances where an individual or organisation has demonstrated outstanding achievements in their borough.

The Royal Marines Reserve will be the third from the country’s armed forces to receive the award in recent years.

The 2nd Battalion Royal Tank Regiment (2RTR) received it in 2011 while another reserve unit, the London Regiment, based in Clapham Junction, did so in 1992.

The unit’s commanding officer Lt Col Ed Moorhouse said: "It is a great privilege that has been bestowed upon the Royal Marines Reserve City of London by the granting and exercising of the Freedom of the Borough of Wandsworth. 

"Since arriving in the borough in 2011, we have had unfaltering support from the borough council and its local residents.

"We are hugely proud of being part of Wandsworth. 

"Over the last five years ranks from RMR City of London have deployed to the Middle East and in support of the Fleet on operations and have trained from the jungles of Central America to the Arctic Circle. 

"An integrated and dynamic reserve force that supports and complements both the regular Royal Marines and Royal Navy, they remain ready to meet the complex operational and environmental challenges of the 21st Century."

The streets will be filled with 160 reservists, veterans and cadets, who will be accompanied by the Band of the Royal Marines.

The parade will start at Wandsworth Town station and pass along York Road, into Fairfield Street, then on to Wandsworth Town Hall where they will be formally awarded the Freedom of the Borough.

The Mayor of Wandsworth Cllr Richard Field said: "This award pays tribute to the bravery and dedication of these volunteers who have served their nation with great distinction as part of this famous and historic Royal Naval force.

"We are immensely proud to be associated with them."

The parade is due to start at 2.40pm and will last for about 10 minutes.