VISITING foreign waters for the first time in more than two years, HMS Chiddingfold headed across the North Sea to Stavanger in Norway as part of her post-refit trials programme.

There was a strong sporting programme lined up for the Portsmouth-based minehunter upon her arrival.

Norway boasts just eight rugby union sides, including one in Stavanger which eagerly awaited a clash with the Brits – and trounced the small ship’s 15 70-21 (although Chid’s performance may have been hampered by the fact that the match coincided with the port’s beer and food festival...).

The warship’s climbers and footballers fared rather better: the climbers headed for the top of Pulpit Rock, which hangs 604m (1,981ft) over Leisfjord and offers magnificent views... except when it’s shrouded in cloud. The footballers fared somewhat better, dispatching locally-based British NCOs 6-4.

Chid did not just head for Norway to play sport, of course.

The true reason for her visit lies just outside Stavanger at NATO’s FORACS range where Allied warships test the accuracy of radar, sonar, GPS, gyros and electronic navigational systems.

Back in British waters, Chiddingfold was charged with survey work off Islay and Mull – her first operational mission since her overhaul.

She took a break from that mission with a day in Oban.

And when in Oban there’s only one thing to do. Visit McCaig’s Tower? A spot of fishing perhaps? Nope. Host veteran DJ and TV presenter Sir Jimmy Savile, of course.

The jingle-jangle cigar-loving 80-year-old was in town to help the RNLI raise money and was invited aboard the minehunter for an impromptu photoshoot with the ship’s company.

“Sir Jimmy popped on board for around 15 minutes, saluting as he crossed the gangway – reminding the officer of the day that he was an honorary Royal Marine RSM,” said navigator Lt Simon Shaw.