HMS Northumberland returns to Tyne

HMS Northumberland is returning to the North East

The Royal Navy vessel HMS Northumberland is returning to Tyneside for a goodwill visit.

The Type 23 frigate was built by Swan Hunter, in Wallsend, in 1992 and is the adopted ship of Northumberland.

It was designed for anti-submarine warfare but is also used for security patrols, escort duties and anti-piracy missions.

Members of the public will be able to visit the ship between 10:00 and 15:00 on Saturday 27 January at Northumbrian Quay, which is accessible from Royal Quays in North Shields.

'Hunting enemy submarines'

HMS Northumberland has spent the last year in the North Atlantic, North Sea and Arctic Circle.

One of its missions was to shadow two Russian destroyers as they sailed near UK waters.

There were also goodwill visits to Denmark, Norway and Iceland.

Cdr Will Edwards-Bannon said: "We have lots of different roles, but our primary mission is all about undersea warfare and hunting enemy submarines out in the North Atlantic.

"Increasingly we are also working alongside our allies and with government agencies to protect critical national infrastructure which lies under the waves.

"That could be energy related, or protecting cables which most of the internet relies on."

HMS Northumberland has been on exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth and RFA Tideforce

Communications technician Abi Hyndman, from Consett, said: "I transferred over from the army and, honestly, it is the best job I have had.

"We are really lucky. It is a good ship's company and everybody gets along.

"I will be working on Saturday and a lot of my friends and their families will be coming onboard to have a look about."