THREE hundred and fifty Royal Marines will descend onto Tavistock on June 6 to mark three significant dates in their calendar — and local residents are being urged to show their support. Plymouth-based marines are scheduled to speed march through Tavistock as part of their 1664 Challenge. The challenge has seen members from 42 Commando from Bickleigh, near Plymouth, undertake mammoth tasks as a way to mark the celebration of the Royal Marines' 350th anniversary since it was formed in 1664, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, and to mark the centenary of the First World War. Royal Marines are due to speed march 64-miles through Cornwall and Plymouth and are calling on residents along the route to come out and support them, and donate to the Royal Marines Charitable Trust (RMCTF) along the way. The main challenge is well under way and the core marines' team is skiing, sailing, cycling, canoeing and running 6,656km, in four 1,664km sections, over a route covering Norway, Spain, France and the UK. The aim of the challenge is to encapsulate the Royal Marines Commando spirit and Corps values in a significant physical and mental challenge. The news of the speed march through Tavistock has been welcomed by all past and present servicemen and women. Royal Air Force veteran and Tavistock Royal British Legion chairman Malcolm Christie said: 'These splendid personnel who do so much for armed forces charities richly deserve our support. 'The march is also being held on the 70th anniversary of D-Day when we remember those brave souls who laid down their lives in Normandy for our country, all those years ago.' Former Royal Marine Yorkie Malone, secretary of the Royal Marines Association in Tavistock, said: 'You may wonder why Tavistock — there are many from the area who have over the years joined the Royal Marines, there is also a great number of former Royal Marines in the area. 'This is a way to say a big thank you to the population of Tavistock for their generosity over the years — for the collections in the street, and for the goods you so generosity gave which we then sent out to Iraq and Afghanistan. 'It will be quite a spectacle to see a great number of Royal Marines marching through Tavistock. 'Please come out and see them, and hopefully they will be back in another 350 years to do the same.' Major Baz Lewis, officer commanding Kilo-Company who is leading the 42 Commando part of the challenge, said: 'The 1664 Challenge is an extraordinary event, attempting to raise a huge amount of money for a very deserving cause. 'The Royal Marines, and in particular 42 Commando, have had a strong link with the Plymouth and Tavistock area for much of their history. 'So we hope people from the local area come and support the runners as they pass through Tavistock.' The march will begin around 9.30am. The route through Tavistock will include West Street, Russell Street, Plymouth Road, Brook Street and Parkwood Road, heading towards Kelly College. The RMCTF is the Royal Marines charity helping the wounded and injured to begin their transition back into civilian life. For more information visit the website at http://www.1664challenge.co.uk">www.1664challenge.co.uk