The chimes are sounding at Royal Naval Reserve unit HMS Eaglet after it was presented with a replacement bell in time for centenary commemorations.

The RNR base in Liverpool, which serves the North-West region, celebrates its 100th birthday this year.

To mark the occasion, local bell foundry Utley Offshore, which has been casting bells since Victorian times, presented a new ship’s bell for Eaglet.

The unit’s youngest rating, new entry Louise Moore, rang the traditional eight bells to sound the bell for the first time.

Eaglet’s team has also been rewarded for its efforts during operations in Iraq 12 months ago.

Some 30 personnel from the RNR unit were involved in Operation Telic in the UK and Middle East, serving in a range of positions from logistics and supply to intelligence, amphibious warfare and mine warfare.

Each person mobilised received a certificate of thanks, signed by the nation’s most senior military officer, Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Michael Walker, and Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon.

Further south, London’s RNR unit HMS President beat off stiff competition from the other 12 Reservist centres to take the prestigious Thornycroft Trophy.

The trophy – a ship’s model in a glass case – is awarded annually to the reserve unit which maintains the highest standards of efficiency and effectiveness.

With 370 officers and other ranks on the books President, situated close to Tower Bridge on the bank of the Thames, is one of the largest RNR establishments.

“The trophy is a reflection of all the hard work that has gone on by not only the ship’s company but also the permanent staff and our former commanding officer,” said President’s Commanding Officer Cdr Clare Hughes.