LINKS between Durham and its adopted warship are being renewed in a busy schedule of activities in coming days.

HMS Invincible, the Royal Navy fleet flagship, sails into the River Tyne today, at the start of a six-day visit, building on affiliations with Durham and the North-East in general.

The Mayor of Durham, Councillor George Wharton, will stage his civic ball in the hangar of the 20,000-tonne vessel, which will berth at the Tyne Commissioners' Quay, at North Shields.

The £25-a-head black tie function is being held on Saturday, in aid of Coun Wharton's chosen charity, an environmental and conservation project, Chase the Butterfly.

It could have sold out several times over once news of the venue emerged.

Those unlucky to miss out on tickets still have a chance to go on board, as the gangway comes down on Sunday for an open afternoon, from 1pm to 5pm.

The mayor will arrive on board today, by RAF helicopter from the Durham's adopted rescue unit, 202 Squadron, based at Boulmer, in Northumberland.

He will attend a lunch hosted by ship commander, Captain Rory McLean.

On Monday, the ship is staging a schools' careers forum, with teenagers from several schools and New College Durham taking part.

Members of Durham City Royal Naval Association, which celebrates its golden jubilee in June, will play host to a detachment of senior ratings from the ship, at a reception at Durham City Workingmen's Club, in Crossgate, tonight.

Invincible departs for Portsmouth on Wednesday