A BATTLESHIP sailed up the River Tyne yesterday for a 25th anniversary trip to its spiritual home.

HMS Newcastle, which set sail from Portsmouth on Tuesday, will be berthed at Spillars Wharf, in Newcastle.

Its programme includes an opportunity for members of the public to visit the ship, between 1pm and 6pm on Sunday.

The ship's commanding officer, Commander Jeremy Blundell, said: "The ship's company and I are very much looking forward to this visit, the first for some time.

"Commanding HMS Newcastle is made doubly special by the strength of her affiliation with the city."

Among the first visitors on board were catering students from Newcastle College, who took up the challenge of preparing a celebratory meal for the ship's company and guests.

Commander Blundell said: "We hope that, by giving them a taste of Navy life, we may inspire them to become our crews of the future."

As well as the more formal functions, the ship will be renewing friendships with her many affiliations.

The crew also plans to carry out a recruitment drive in the city.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor John Marshall, is planning a street parade and civic reception for the crew, while the Royal Navy will offer him a salute in return, at Grey's Monument.

Coun Marshall said: "The city has enjoyed a close friendship with the crew of HMS Newcastle over the years and I am delighted that they have chosen to celebrate their 25th anniversary with us."

The 126-metre long HMS Newcastle is a Portsmouth-based Type 42 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer.

Built by Swan Hunter, on the River Tyne, it was commissioned in 1978 and has a crew of 250.