A ROYAL Navy warship berthed at a port last night as the crew prepares to renew affiliations with its adopted county.

HMS Bulwark gingerly reversed into the River Wear, guided by three tugs, before it arrived at Corporation Quay, Sunderland.

It marked the start of a hectic five-day stay, featuring activities on board and across the region for the 325 crew members.

Bulwark has been affiliated with County Durham since its launch at Portsmouth, in 2001, replacing the county's previous adopted warship, HMS Brazen.

Commanding officer Captain Jeremy Blunden will attend a civic reception hosted by the new Mayor of Sunderland, Les Scott, at Sunderland Civic Centre today.

He will later host a reception on board for civic figures from across the region.

Tomorrow, he will join a detachment of crew members in Newcastle city centre taking part in a parade to mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands conflict.

Sporting teams from the ship's company will take part in golf, football and rugby matches with local teams over the weekend, while crew members will also visit Trinity School, in Durham, and Bishop Auckland Hospital.

Speaking last night, Capt Blunden said: "It is a great honour for us to be back in the North-East again, the first time in just over two years.

"The North-East has always been a good recruiting ground for the Royal Navy, and we have quite a few crew members from this region."

The 19,000-tonne vessel will be open to the public, at Corporation Quay, in High Street East, Sunderland, from 11am to 4pm on Sunday.