A Royal Navy warship has dropped anchor in Belfast with the captain and crew hoping for a 'warm' welcome - especially given the ship's next destination.

HMS Cornwall arrived on Friday and is due to set sail again on Wednesday on her way north to the Arctic Circle, where she'll take part in a major, multinational amphibious exercise.

The visit will allow the crew of the Type 22 frigate to forge closer links between the Royal Navy and the city while it is in Pollock Dock.

Although not open to the general public during her four-day stay, the ship has a full programme and will be welcoming aboard visitors from a range of local organisations.

Visitors will include sea and air cadet units from across Northern Ireland and students from Southern Regional College in Bangor and Ashfield Boys High School in Belfast.

Today, Monday, the ship will host a unique careers forum for local head teachers and armed forces careers officers from across the region.

The forum aims to encourage a closer working relationship between the two groups and learn how they can each benefit from one another in providing career opportunities for young people across the city.

Other activities planned include a meeting between HMS Cornwall’s Commanding Officer, Commander Jeremy Woods, and the Lord Mayor of Belfast. An evening reception was also held on Friday for local dignitaries.

Despite the busy programme, the ship's company will still find time for some well earned rest and relaxation: rugby and football matches are organised between the ship and RAF Aldergrove and there will be an organised tour of some of the big attractions in the area including Carrickfergus Castle and the Giant’s Causeway.

HMS Cornwall is the first major UK warship to visit Belfast since HMS Albion was in the city last July for the Belfast Maritime Festival.

Commander Woods said: "I am thrilled to be bringing Cornwall to Belfast for the first time. Belfast has become a popular port visit for the Royal Navy in recent years due to the hospitality of the people and growing vibrancy of the city and we are all excited about the visit."

HMS Cornwall, along with sister ships Cumberland, Campbeltown and Chatham, is equipped with a formidable array of weapon systems including Seawolf Anti-Air Missiles, a 4.5" Automated Gun, Goalkeeper Close in Weapons System (CWIS), Harpoon anti-ship missiles and an array of close range weapons.

Originally designed as specialist anti-submarine platforms, the Type 22 Frigates have evolved into powerful surface combatants with excellent command, control and communication facilities, making them ideal Flagships. On patrol they have an efficient cruising speed of 18 knots, and a sprint capability of over 30 knots.

(BMcC)