A MAYOR from the North-East will join the Queen for the rededication of a city’s adopted warship at its port base.

Councillor Stuart Porthouse has been invited to represent the people of Sunderland at Friday’s (March 20) ceremony, in Devonport, Plymouth.

HMS Ocean, which was granted Sunderland’s Freedom of the City in 2004, has just completed a 15-month refit.

The ceremony will mark the return of Britain’s largest warship and helicopter carrier into Royal Navy service.

A 21-gun salute will greet the Queen to the naval base, before she and other dignitaries are given a tour of the ship by fleet commander, Vice Admiral Philip Jones, and HMS Ocean’s commanding officer, Captain Timothy Henry.

Cllr Porthouse, who is among civic guests forming the welcoming party, said: “I’m proud to represent the people of Sunderland, and honoured to be invited to join Her Majesty at the re-dedication ceremony for HMS Ocean.

“Our city is very proud of our military tradition, and we can all be particularly proud that our adopted ship will play such a vital part in the Royal Navy’s future.

“The officers and ratings of HMS Ocean were granted Freedom of the City in 2004, and are always welcome guests in Sunderland.”

As part of the affiliation HMS Ocean has made several visits to the River Wear, as well as featuring off-shore as a back drop to the city’s annual showpiece, the Sunderland International Airshow.