THE Royal Marine Corps is celebrating its 350th anniversary this year – and plenty of people will hopefully be drinking to the special birthday.

Wiveliscombe-based Cotleigh Brewery and Sheppy’s Cider, of Bradford-on-Tone have produced an RM350 Limited Edition ale and cider to commemorate the occasion.

And 10p from every pint of the limited editions will go to Go Commando, set up by the late Sean O’Brien to support the Royal Marine family.

So far the two companies have donated over £18,000 to the charity.

Members of 40 Commando Royal Marines, based at Norton Manor Camp, in Norton Fitzwarren, are holding an anniversary weekend next month.

On Friday, June 20, 40 Commando are hosting a dinner in aid of the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund at the County Ground, Taunton – tickets are available from Norton Manor Camp.

The following day, the troops will march through Weston at 11am to mark being granted the freedom of the town, an honour already bestowed on them by Taunton.

Later the same day, the Royal Marines 1664 Challenge Team, who are running 1664km around the UK, having previously skied, sailed and cycled the same distance in Europe, will arrive in Weston, supported by members of 40 Commando running a marathon finishing on the seafront.

40 Commando spokesman Lieut Brendan Ford RN said: “40 Commando are proud to be part of such a welcoming and supportive community and the support shown towards the unit, especially over recent years, has been fantastic.

“The opportunity to celebrate our 350th birthday is a unique opportunity and one we hope you will all be able to support.”