NORTON Manor Camp-based 40 Commando Royal Marines have been extra busy this week as part of their 350th anniversary celebrations.

40 Commando welcomed a group of Marines – including one of their own, Colour Sergeant Richie Hayden – as they arrived in Taunton during one of the final stages of their epic 1664 Challenge.

Over the past few months, the 1664 team have travelled across several countries, skiing, sailing and cycling to raise money for the Royal Marines Charitable Fund. The last leg is a 1664km run across the UK.

The 1664 Challenge team marched into Taunton last Friday where they were welcomed at Castle Green by Mayor Dave Durdan, before heading to Norton Manor Camp to be greeted by 40 Commando.

On Saturday, members of 40 Commando joined forces with the 1664 team for a 26-mile run to Weston as the challenge continued.

There, 40 Commando Marines staged a parade through the town, before being awarded the Freedom of Weston, by Mayor Rosslyn Willis.

Finally, on Monday, members of 40 Commando joined representatives from the Royal British Legion and ex-services associations at Deane House, where Cllr Durdan raised a flag to herald Armed Forces Day this Saturday (June 28).