HMS NEWCASTLE will be sailing up the Tyne this morning to begin celebrations of the 25th anniversary of its commissioning.
Built by Swan Hunter on the Tyne in 1978, HMS Newcastle will be berthed at Spillars Wharf for the start of a busy weekend.
The crew also plans a recruiting initiative in its home city.
Students from local colleges will be taking part in programmes to experience life on board as chefs and as ships operator mechanics.
During the weekend, members of the ship's company will be visiting or entertaining many of the ship's affiliations.
The public will be able to visit HMS Newcastle from 1pm to 6pm, on Sunday.
The ship last visited the city in September 2001 and has since completed a six-month deployment to West Africa, the Falkland Islands and the Caribbean.
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