The “significant” relationship shared by the Corporation of St George's and the town of Lyme Regis in England was highlighted at last month’s Somers Day Parade.

The annual event commemorates Lyme Regis's former mayor, Sir George Somers.

The merchant trader, Member of Parliament and military leader was the admiral of the Sea Venture — the vessel wrecked off Bermuda after getting separated from the rest of its Virginia-bound fleet in a hurricane in 1609.

The incident marked the beginning of the continuous settlement of the island.

Sir George died in Bermuda and his heart was buried in what is now St George’s. The rest of his body was taken to England and interred near Lyme Regis.

Quinell Francis, the Mayor of St George, and Ed Christopher, the town crier of Hamilton, were among dignitaries from Bermuda who visited the Dorset town to take part in the event on July 24.

Mr Christopher said this year marked the 27th anniversary of the twinning of the two towns.

Each year since 1996, a group from St George’s has called on Lyme Regis to commemorate Somers Day.

The visit is reciprocated in April each year when a delegation from Lyme Regis visits Bermuda for the annual Peppercorn Ceremony.

Mr Christopher said many similarities existed between the two historic towns.

He highlighted the recognition of the Town of St George and its surrounding fortifications with World Heritage Site status.

St George's is also the oldest continuously inhabited, colonial town in the new world.

Mr Christopher called Lyme Regis “a gateway to the domestic coastline” of Britain.

“We salute the twinning of Lyme Regis and St George’s,” he added.

David Ruffle, the Mayor of Lyme Regis, said he was “very conscious of the history that lies behind this occasion”.

He said the relationship between the two towns had “grown from strength to strength” over the years.

Ms Francis pointed out the historic link to Lyme Regis through Sir George himself.

She said while many were familiar with the story of the admiral being shipwrecked in Bermuda in July 1609, it was his “passion and purpose” that brought the passengers of the Sea Venture safely to the island.

She said: “I have witnessed these qualities exemplified by my parents, the residents and the businesses of St George's”.

She added: “The remarkable achievement of our community are rooted in the fusion of passion and purpose.”