NAVY and civic chiefs are hoping for third time lucky when a warship makes its latest attempt to visit its adopted North-East city this week.

HMS Ocean's last two scheduled visits to renew affiliations with Sunderland were cancelled due to operational commitments.

But the latest bid to forge links between the Navy's first purpose-built amphibious helicopter carrier and the people of Sunderland are expected to come to fruition on Thursday.

The biggest ship in the Royal Navy fleet is due to dock at Corporation Quay, on the south bank of the River Wear, opposite the National Glass Centre, for a four-day stay.

Previous planned visits have come to nought as the 21,000-tonne vessel, designed to carry a detachment of 800 Royal Marines for rapid deployment, has been called to various hot-spots - including hurricane-hit Honduras, earthquake-ravaged Turkey and, more recently, to assist the UN operation in civil war-torn Sierra Leone.

During her stay, the Ocean will take part in a range of events designed to foster relations between the crew and their Wearside hosts.

HMS Ocean's commanding officer, Captain Scott Lidbetter, said: "This is a great opportunity for us to get to know Sunderland better and strengthen our ties with the council, local business and the community."

Sunderland Mayor, Councillor Brian Dodds, said: "Sunderland has a strong seafaring history and being affiliated to the biggest ship in the Royal Navy's fleet is a source of immense pride to local people."

HMS Ocean will be open to the public at Corporation Quay, off Low Street, on Saturday, between 11am and 5pm.