HMS Forest Moor, situated at Nidderdale near Harrogate on the edge of the North Yorkshire National Park, has decommissioned after 43 years service.

The establishment was first used as an intelligence unit, or ‘Y Station’, during World War II, and has since been used as a specialist communications centre, acting as headquarters of the radio services grouping within the MOD’s Defence Communication Services Agency which provides Very Low, Low and High Frequency radio communication services for the British Military and NATO. It was the Royal Navy's major HF receiver station

Although more than 200 miles from the nearest front-line RN unit, Forest Moor had consistently delivered a high-quality communications service to the Royal Navy.

Its role has now been taken up by a commercial company, although a small tri-Service staff will remain.

A formal decommissioning ceremony was held on October 30, attended by more than 150 people, including former employees.

The Harrogate Sea Cadets were on parade – they enjoyed a close association with Forest Moor – and Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland, Rear Admiral Nick Harris, presided over the occasion, speaking of the pride of those who served at the establishment.

A Royal Marines Band provided music for the occasion.