ARMY cadets helped mark the long-standing tradition of Paying the Constable's Dues at the Tower of London.

The Army Cadet Force band from the 103 Detachment based in Anglesea Road, St Mary Cray, led a parade through the tower playing renditions of The British Grenadier and the theme from popular film The Great Escape.

The Chief Yeoman Warder of the Tower of London John Keohane said: “The cadets have blown us away and I feel very proud to have worked with them.”

Cadet Sergeant Lisa Whitehead, 17, added: “It was just an unforgettable experience.”

The parade started on the USS Halyburton, the first foreign vessel to exercise the tradition of Paying the Constables Dues.

The tradition dates back to the 14th Century when the King believed it was his right to extract tolls from vessels on the Thames.