RESIDENTS of Durham will pay an emotional farewell to its adopted warship this weekend as the crew of HMS Invincible pays a final visit to the city.

The aircraft carrier is visiting the North-East to officially start next week's Tall Ships Race from the Tyne - her final duty in a long and illustrious career before being decommissioned.

Crew members will pay a three-day visit to their adopted home of Durham City for a weekend of fun events, which will be tinged with sadness at saying goodbye.

Commanding officer Captain Neil Morisetti said: "It is always a special occasion when a Royal Navy warship visits her affiliated city but, with HMS Invincible visiting Durham while celebrating her silver jubilee, this is very symbolic.

"The ship's company are very much looking forward to it, not only for the historic occasion and surrounding events, but also for the opportunity to visit the numerous sights and attractions that the area has to offer."

The city is planning a fitting send-off for the ship, which has been associated with Durham for 25 years.

On Saturday, HMS Invincible will be open for visits by members of the public on the Tyne between 1pm and 4pm.

Among the highlights will be a fun day at The Racecourse on Sunday, from noon until 10pm, with music, entertainment, children's games and an It's A Knockout-style competition between teams of locals and crew members.

Skydivers from the Royal Navy's parachute display team will swoop into the main ring on the showfield at about 1.45pm, weather permitting.

Dave Holroyde, from the County Durham Development Company, said: "They are one of the country's premier display teams and we are very fortunate to get them to the event."

Team leader Lieutenant Alan Veal will then start the It's A Knockout competition.

The whole day's activities are being staged by the city and county councils, along with Durham City Forum.

For details of the fun day, ring the tourist information centre on 0191-384 3720.

On Monday, crew members will make a formal parade through the city. After attending evensong at the cathedral at 4.30pm, they will march down Saddler Street to the Market Place for a final salute, likely to take place at about 6.30pm.

Finally, on Tuesday, there will be a football match between a Durham City XI, featuring celebrity guest players, and a team from HMS Invincible, which kicks off at 7.30pm at Durham City FC's ground. Admission is £2, with proceeds going to charity.

* For online coverage of the Tall Ships, visit www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/tallships