STUDENTS sampled life at sea with the Royal Navy yesterday as the last warship built in the North-East strengthened its ties with the region.

HMS Richmond, built at the Swan Hunter yard on the Tyne, has been docked at Newcastle Quayside to enable the crew to attend remembrance services in the city and the ship's affiliated town of Richmond, in North Yorkshire.

Yesterday, students from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and Darlington visited the vessel as part of their college coursework.

The ship's commanding officer, Commander Wayne Keble, said: "It is always a pleasure to return to the port where the ship was built and to renew our affiliation with our namesake town.

"The visit gives us the opportunity to show students from the area what life is like on board a modern warship."

Catering students from Bishop Auckland College took up the challenge of preparing a meal for Cmdr Keeble, his crew and guests.

The youngsters worked with the galley crew on the Type 23 Duke Class Frigate to prepare and serve the three-course meal.

Teenagers from Darlington College of Technology's entry to uniformed services course took part in a mock air defence exercise.

Working as operator mechanics under battle conditions, they manned the operations room during the simulated attack.

They also loaded weapons with drill ammunition and stripped and cleaned small arms.

Darlington college principal Sarah Farley said: "The links we have with the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and other services are a great enhancement to our programmes.

"It provides students with actual experience of the uniformed services and most of all, the students love it."