HMS Ark Royal is returning to the River Tyne on Wednesday - just over a year after her last visit.

People in the region will be encouraged to step aboard the famous warship when she returns to her birthplace.

The Royal Navy's fleet flagship has a close affiliation with the region as steel for the 20,000-tonne vessel was first cut at Swan Hunter's yard in Wallsend in December 1978, before her official launch three years later.

She will come alongside Northumbria Quay in North Shields at around 11.30am on Wednesday for the start of a five-day programme of events.

One of the highlights will be when the ship throws open her gangway to the public on Saturday, February 27, from 10am until 3pm.

Commanding officer Captain John Clink OBE, said: "It is fantastic to be visiting Newcastle, the city of our birth, in our silver jubilee year.

"My ship's company take great pride in their job in Ark Royal and we have a great community spirit. In some ways it's like a small town and each individual has an important role onboard."

Members of the ship's company will be on hand to answer questions about their experiences in the Royal Navy. Admission is free.

The visit will also include a number of other activities, among them a reception for 250 invited guests from across Tyne and Wear including civic authorities and representatives of various industries.

The ship's crew will also be participating in sporting engagements including visits to Sunderland AFC and Newcastle United FC.

There will also be visits from invited schools and colleges, sea cadet units, local contractors and other maritime associations, one of which is a year two class from Gillas Lane Primary School, Houghton-le-Spring.