HMS Tyne paid a return visit to Jersey to help islanders mark the 62nd anniversary of liberation from the Nazi yoke.

The Portsmouth-based fishery patrol vessel was at the heart of commemorations marking 60 years since the end of war in 2005, celebrations which were attended by the Queen.

Two years on, the anniversary was a more muted affair – but celebrated nonetheless.

With the Channel Islands being the only part of the home islands to be occupied during the 1939-1945, liberation day is a public holiday.

The ship’s company provided a White Ensign Colour Party and a 15-man guard to lead the liberation day parade through the streets of Jersey’s capital, St Helier, a parade which ended in Liberation Square with a salute taken by the Duke of Kent and a service of thanksgiving.

Tyne also supplied a guard of honour for a wreath-laying ceremony and remembrance service organised by Arctic Convoy veterans.

Away from ceremonials, the sailors got stuck in with the island’s fire brigade to see how the two could work together to tackle blazes at sea.

Tyne’s presence in St Helier was treated to a vin d’honneur – not, as it sounds, a fine wine, but a reception – in the town hall, and the ship returned the favour by inviting dignitaries aboard for lunch.

Somehow, the small ship’s company also found time to squeeze in a football tournament and a golf match against the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment (the sailors were victorious on the fairways and runners-up in the football).