There was a traditionally warm Geordie welcome for new River-class patrol vessel HMS Tyne when she paid her first visit to the North East.

Among the visitors were the wife and daughter of the ship’s Geordie Commanding Officer, who were waiting on the quayside at Newcastle.

Cdr Craig Gilmour said: “I’m very proud of this ship and delighted to be bringing her home. This is the start of a long association.”

The Navy’s new £20 million fisheries protection vessel had been undertaking trials off the coast of Scotland, and was enjoying a welcome break on Tyneside before setting off on her first patrol in the North Sea.

She arrived on a bright morning, carrying teachers from two local schools which have already formed close links with her – Hadrian School and St Catherine’s School. Chris Rawlings and Michael Ewing had enjoyed a memorable voyage through the Western Isles.

There were also fresh bonds to be made with the local Sea Cadet Corps unit TS Tyne.

For her ship’s company there was the prospect of touring one of the UK’s most vibrant cities and a favourite Naval ‘run ashore’ – its distinguished heritage signposted by views of the Collingwood Monument.

The monument is dedicated to Vice Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood, the city’s most famous Naval son. Collingwood was Nelson’s second-in-command at Trafalgar and his successor at the head of the Mediterranean Fleet for the next five years – all of which he spent afloat – until he died, worn out and still hard at work, while on his way home in 1810.

Tyne, the first of three River-class offshore patrol vessels, displaces 1,700 tons, and is the first ship built and funded by industry for charter by the Ministry of Defence – in this case, VT Shipbuilding, formerly known as Vosper Thornycroft.

Designed primarily to protect the nation’s fish stocks, she is also capable of drugs interdiction and anti-terrorist duties. She will stay at sea for up to 320 days a year, thanks to a crew rotation system.