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

HMS Cornwall was 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.

The ship held a unique careers forum for local head teachers and armed forces careers officers from across the region.

The forum aimed 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.

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

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

Other activities planned included 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.

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)