An updated version of a lavishly illustrated book charting the history of the Royal Marines in Deal has been published, and is finally available after a three month coronavirus related delay.

Royal Marines Deal - A Pictorial History was written by Andrew Lane, curator of the Royal Marines Museum at Southsea, near Portsmouth.

The Royal Marines left Deal in 1996, and the book’s 160 pages tell the story of the Royal Marines’ association with the town, with more than 230 photographs.

The new version of the book has a foreword by Bill Butler, the founding trustee of the Royal Marines Heritage Trails which take residents and visitors to places in the Deal area associated with the Corps.

The book was first published in 2000 and has been republished as this year is the 75th anniversary of the Royal Marines being granted the Freedom of the Borough of Deal (including Walmer).

The 300 copies were printed abroad and had been due to arrive three months ago.

Due to pandemic-related shipping delays, only now are they available from the RMA Club on The Strand in Walmer.

Mr Butler said: “This splendid book illustrates so vividly the many aspects of the history of the Corps during the 135 years it was based in Walmer, and gives a graphic record of those past times.

“I see this book as an ideal accompaniment to the heritage trails.”

Copies of the book were delivered to Castles Removals, in Southwall Road, Deal, on Monday, when committee members of the RMA Club presented Mr Butler with a watercolour painting, showing four parts of Deal and Walmer associated with the Royal Marines, and the Corps crest.

The painting done was by club committee member John Elms and is to recognise the work Mr Butler has done in preserving the heritage of the Royal Marines in Deal.

Royal Marines Deal - A Pictorial History is published by Halsgrove, in association with the Royal Marines Museum, and costs £24.99.

Copies can be bought from the RMA Club at 37 The Strand, Walmer, Kent CT14 7DX, with cheques made payable to the Royal Marines Heritage Trails.

For more details, telephone Mr Butler on 07766 538694.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal