In Pictures: March through city

It is the Royal Navy's longest-serving warship and is making its last visit to Cardiff before being decommissioned.

Large crowds turned out to see the parade, which began at Cardiff Castle and looped around the city centre.

The crew then gave Cardiff Lord Mayor Freda Salway the "eyes right" before marching into Coopers Field.

The Type 42 destroyer, which weighs 3,500 tonnes and is 125m (410ft) long, has been on duty for 26 years.

'Sacrifices and service'

Commissioned in 1979, HMS Cardiff has seen active service in the Falklands, the first Gulf war and the build-up to the second Gulf conflict. The Freedom of the City parade began in the grounds of Cardiff Castle, where the crew assembled for inspection.

The public will be welcomed on board during the ship's last stay

They then marched out of the main gates, along High Street, St Mary Street, Mill Lane, The Hayes, Working Street, St John Street and finally along Duke Street to Coopers Field.

Councillor Salway said: "For 26 years or so, HMS Cardiff has sailed round the globe many times and has been active in many parts of the world, both in peacetime and conflict.

"The sacrifices and service of this wonderful ship, and all who have served aboard her, make the citizens of Cardiff extremely proud, and for that, we are honoured to award HMS Cardiff the freedom of the city of Cardiff."

End of an era

Commander Mike Beardall, HMS Cardiff's commanding officer, described the celebration as "joyous", and said his crew was proud of the "friendships and affiliations" that had been made with the city over the vessel's lifetime.

The ship, which is docked at Britannia Quay in Cardiff Bay, has been open to the public over the weekend.

HMS Cardiff will be decommissioned on 14 July in Portsmouth, marking the end of an era stretching back hundreds of years for ships bearing the name of the Welsh capital.

It is understood that the vessel will remain in Portsmouth harbour until a decision is reached about her future.