Cumbria’s affiliated ship, HMS Cumberland, visited Barrow-in-Furness for a three-day programme which coincided with Remembrance ceremonies.

This was the Type 22 frigate’s first visit to Barrow since May last year, and rekindled the already-close relationship with the town and the ship’s affiliation with the county of Cumbria.

During the visit the ship took part in a number of events, all of which attracted considerable local media interest.

In particular a 24-man guard marched through the streets of the town as part of Remembrance Day, and a small group, including the Commanding Officer, attended the ceremonies in Carlisle.

A major event for the ship was the presentation by Mr Peter Williams of a 1/96 scale model of HMS Cumberland to the museum of the ship’s affiliated regiment, the King’s Own Border Regiment.

A former crew member on the last HMS Cumberland, Mr Williams took two years to build the model, which is fully working and built to the most intricate detail.

Also during the visit the manager of the newly-opened branch of Morrison’s supermarket presented the ship with 70kg of Cumberland sausages, which were gratefully received by the ship’s Deputy Logistics and Supply Officer, Lt Gareth Mawdsley, and members of the Supply Department.

The ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Mike Mansergh, said of the visit: “It was a great pleasure to return to Cumbria and to Barrow-in-Furness.

“The ship’s company were very much looking forward to the weekend, and were delighted to be able to participate in the November ceremonies with Barrow and Carlisle.

“This has been a busy year for us, and a return to Barrow gave us a welcomed opportunity to build on the close relationship we have with Barrow and Cumbria.”