Type 23 frigate HMS Montrose returned home to Devonport on July 27 to a crowd of 600 on the jetty.

After seven months away in the Mediterranean friends and family flocked to welcome back the sailors who has spent much of the year in the Standing Maritime Group Two task group.

The frigate has been a key element of NATO's operation Active Endeavour,  patrolling the waters of the Mediterranean and keeping a wary eye out for suspect vessels and smugglers.

Those sharp eyes were particularly appreciated by a group of Turkish sailors from the MV Sunshine – their ship sank in high seas on April 22 and the sailors had spent two days at sea in a life raft and small boat without food or water.

The ship's commanding officer Cdr Tony Watt said: "The flexibility, professionalism and rapid reactions of my crew saved lives that day thanks – once again – to the fact that the Royal Navy was in the right place at the right time.

"It's great to be back home in Plymouth and to see my family again. Here we see hundreds of families and friends welcoming us all – something we have looked forward to for a long time."