A WARSHIP with close ties to a North Yorkshire community expects to be leaving the Gulf to resume usual patrols after playing a part in the Iraq War.

HMS Richmond supported troops ashore in the opening days of the conflict, shelling positions inland, patrolling the coast to foil any counter-attack and protecting the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal.

But after a tiring 40 days at sea, the crew were allowed time to rest and recuperate while the frigate docked for routine maintenance in Bahrain.

In his latest bulletin for the Northern Echo, Medical Officer Chris McClean reports the captain Commander Wayne Keble and Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Richard Morris even found time to help feed the crew during a barbecue ashore while some of the ship's company tried their hands at Sumo wrestling and a water-drinking competition.

Now back at sea, the ship has been supporting US troops working to repair oil terminals at Khaw Al Abdullah and Mina Al Abdullah while Royal Marines stationed on board have been practising boarding techniques with the help of the Danish vessel, the HDMS Olfert Fischer.

However, HMS Richmond expects to leave the Arabian Gulf for a diplomacy visit to Fujairah soon before continuing with more traditional patrol duties elsewhere.