A BABY from Sunderland was christened on board its adopted ship, HMS Ocean, yesterday as the crew were given the freedom of the city.

Milly Grace Dodd, who is seven-and-a-half months old, was blessed on the ship's flight deck by the ship's chaplain, the Padre Reverend Mike Brotherton with HMS Ocean's upturned bell serving as the font.

Milly was born in Sunderland Royal Hospital to Verity and Andrew Dodd.

Mrs Dodd has links with the ships because of her work promoting Sunderland International Airshow for the city council.

She said: "This all came from a chance remark when the ship visited for last year's airshow.

"I was pregnant at the time and someone said that it would be great if the baby could be christened on board the ship where I have made so many friends over the years. HMS Ocean means so much to the city. It is an honour."