The Bermuda Rifle and Drill Team is pulling out all the stops for their appearance in the annual Bermuda Day Parade on Monday.

The 25-strong squad has been working for weeks to perfect their parade ground precision, with fitness training and martial arts thrown in for good measure.

Bermuda Regiment Sergeant Debbie Symons, the team founder, said: “It’s a great way to promote health and fitness and experience something new and challenging.”

The team, comprised mostly of civilians, has been training at Warwick Camp under Regiment instructors who volunteered their time.

“I’d like to thank the regiment for all its support,” Sgt Simons said.

Team member Dee-Ah Iris, 42, a chartered accountant from Hamilton Parish, said: “I like May 24 and the camaraderie. It’s a great Bermuda holiday and I like to participate.” She is taking part in the annual half-marathon before the parade.

“I like to be part of a group and the rifle and drill team helps you to be more disciplined,” she said.

Truck driver Elisha Joell, 36, who serves in the Regiment, added: “I joined the group because it’s my auntie’s group. I’ve always been in the parades and different things, so I volunteered.”

Regiment corporal Aisha Jordan, 37, a communications specialist in uniform, used her own experience of the Warwick Camp parade ground to help to teach new members.

“I enjoy helping them to get the drills down,” she said. “They’re very fast learners and awesome, phenomenal women.”