Devonport frigate HMS Argyll has won a prestigious award for raising the public profile of the ship and the Royal Navy.

HMS Argyll, a Type 23 frigate, won the Desmond Wettern Award, chiefly through its efforts in the tricky surroundings of Sierra Leone.

The frigate was deemed to have succeeded in generating positive coverage for the Senior Service, despite the shifting political and military scenario in the troubled West African state.

Argyll deployed for a seven-month stint in May 2000, and the close relationship fostered between the frigate and the local community was reflected in the media coverage of the humanitarian effort provided by her sailors.

Another highlight which swayed judges was the ship being given the Freedom of Argyll and Bute, and despite her returning to a bread-and-butter routine back in the UK, Argyll continued to maintain a high profile through Internet links and close ties with affiliates and charities.

The Desmond Wettern Award is presented annually to a ship, squadron or unit, and is named in honour of journalist and writer Desmond Wettern, who was for many years the naval correspondent on the Daily Telegraph. The award was first presented in 1993.