Ocean-survey ship HMS Scott has returned to Devonport after survey operations in the Indian Ocean.

But this will be for a brief maintenance period before sailing once more next month to continue her work in the North Atlantic.

The maintenance was originally scheduled to take place in the Gulf in April, but was delayed and relocated because of the conflict in Iraq.

This meant that the ship could complete her tasking in the area without any loss to her programme.

Since leaving Plymouth last October, HMS Scott has surveyed over 26,000 nautical miles – the equivalent of more than one complete circuit around the world.

Commanding Officer Cdr Derek Turner said: “I have been thoroughly impressed with the professionalism and dedication of the crew.

“The crew should all be very proud of their achievements in the last seven months; they brought a ship back into the fleet and even though very lean manned proved her worldwide capability.”

Their focus on the job has not prevented the ship’s company from finding time to raise over £1,000 for their adopted charity, the Child Development Centre at Scott Hospital in Plymouth.