It has been announced that the Queen is to visit Devonport Naval Base on Monday March 24 to meet the families, children and partners of Service personnel deployed in the Gulf region.

Families and partners, with serving personnel in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, RAF or Royal Fleet Auxiliary living in the West Country who wish to be invited to HMS Drake on Monday can apply by telephone to:

The Sailors and Families Advice Bureau at HMS Drake on 01752 569696 or 01752 555289.

The telephone lines will be open between 9am and 8pm today (Friday March 21), 8am to 4pm tomorrow (Saturday March 22) and 8am to midday on Sunday March 23.

For security reasons all attendees must register their details in advance of Monday 24 March.