The Commander of British Forces in Sierra Leone has praised the positive impact of HMS Montrose on the war-torn West African state.

Brigadier P. Davidson-Houston spoke of the efforts made by the ship's company to improve the lives of the people of Sierra Leone.

Referring to the ship's company, he said: "In the short time you have spent in Sierra Leone waters, you have made a considerable impact.

"In particular, you have been an exceptional ambassador for the Royal Navy and the United Kingdom."

He told the commanding officer of HMS Montrose, Capt Tony Johnstone-Burt: "Your charity work teams deserve special mention.

"Their tireless dedication to the Atlantic Patrol Task (South) Project has been admirable.

"Working in difficult conditions, they have achieved astonishing results in a very short time - they are to be highly commended."

Their efforts in Sierra Leone included rebuilding the wall of an orphanage, redecorating a youth club and serving lunch to elderly residents in the community.

Chief Stoker CPO Paul Platt was so touched by the plight of the people he met that he raised funds to cover the high electricity bill for the Firestone youth club.

The club provides education to youngsters whose families cannot afford to send them to local schools.

Past civil unrest had left the bill unpaid, and the electricity supply had been cut off, but now the children are able to continue to read and write after sunset.

Montrose has spent the first half of her deployment in West Africa. Next on her schedule is a role in Exercise Purple Albatross, a tri-Service off the Falkland Islands.

Ships of the Royal Navy - HMS Montrose