ROYAL Marines from Plymouth reached the last stage of their Cornish speed march on Monday to mark the 350th anniversary of their formation.

They included crossing the River Fal by speed boat to Falmouth where they paid tribute to those lost in conflict at the St Nazaire memorial.

The Royal Marines Commandos from across the UK have sailed, cycled, canoed and skied and ran 6,656km, in four 1,664km legs over a route covering Norway, Spain, France and the UK.

The aim is to encapsulate the Commando spirit and Corps values in a significant physical and mental challenge. 42 Commando led their own route through Devon and Cornwall from Plymouth to Falmouth as part of the 1664 Challenge.

12 members of 42 Commando Royal Marines crossed the River Fal Estuary as part of a race against 6 members of the core team who have taken part in the whole physical challenge, who ran directly from Truro.

Both teams will met at the wartime St Nazaire Memorial, where they were welcomed by the town mayor and conducted a minute’s silence.

They were followed by a march through Falmouth town centre accompanied by a drummer from Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Band.

“The 1664 Challenge is an extraordinary event, attempting to raise a huge amount of money for a very deserving cause. The Royal Marines Commandos, as the UK’s maritime soldiers have a natural link to Falmouth, through events such as the St Nazaire Raid.

"We hope people from the local area come and support the runners as they pass through Penryn, St Mawes and Falmouth; anyone is welcome to join us at Events Square to see and participate in Commando Events,” said Major Baz Lewis, Officer Commanding K Company, who is leading the 42 Commando part of the challenge.

The challenge will raise much needed money for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF).

The RMCTF is the Royal Marines charity, helping our wounded and injured, particularly those that have been most severely injured, to begin their transition back into civilian life; quite simply, the RMCTF will help when others cannot.

The RMCTF will also help those still serving and facing successive tours in high threat environments – providing adventure training for those returning from operations, funding homecoming events, financing memorials and maintaining our heritage.