YOUNG hospital patients have launched a ship-to-shore link with the Royal Navy's latest warship.

Sailors from HMS Bulwark marked the adoption of the children's ward at Bishop Auckland General as one of their chosen charities by taking bags of toys to an open day yesterday.

Commanding Officer Captain Keith Winstanley led the "boarding party" from the Bulwark during a two-day tour of County Durham.

With other senior crew members, he joined in a face-painting and baking session with patients and regular visitors before presenting the ward with a picture of the ship.

HMS Bulwark is one of two warships being built to replace HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid and is due to enter service next year.

It has been adopted by the county six years after Durham's last sister ship, HMS Brazen, was sold to the Brazilian Navy.

Captain Winstanley, a former commander of HMS Newcastle, said: "The hospital and the ship are both new ventures and should enjoy a long and successful partnership.

"We do a lot of fundraising while we at sea and it is nice to have a focus for our efforts.

"Once we are up and running, I hope to bring the Bulwark to the North-East and it might be possible to set up a visit from the hospital."