BROADCASTER Kate Adie will be a special guest when the Royal Navy's largest vessel receives the freedom of a North-East city.

HMS Ocean is being honoured with the first freedom to be granted by Sunderland since it gained city status in 1992.

The honour is in recognition of the strong relationship the ship's crew has built up with the people of the area.

As one of the last Freemen of the old borough of Sunderland, Kate Adie will welcome the captain and crew when they receive the honour on Monday, July 26.

During her journalistic career, Ms Adie has reported from HMS Ocean and said she was looking forward to being reunited with the ship.

Ms Adie said: "It will be wonderful to see Ocean in Sunderland. She's a great ship and I'm sure she'll get a terrific welcome."

After the ceremony, the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Jim Scott, and the Captain of HMS Ocean, Tony Johnstone-Burt, will move to the parade area outside the council chamber.

They will inspect the ship's guard and divisions and take a general salute.

This will be accompanied by a flypast, followed by a march by the ship's company through the streets of Sunderland, led by the Royal Marines Band.

The following day, members of the public will be able to visit Ocean when the ship holds an open day.