AN adopted warship makes its emotional final goodwill visit to a North-East city, next month.

The Royal Navy Fleet Flagship, HMS Ocean, says a fond farewell to Sunderland during six days berthed on the River Wear.

It will be ‘alongside’ the Port of Sunderland from July 6 to 11 to pay tribute to its affiliated city., before being replaced by the new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, which began sea trials this week.

The amphibious landing vessel’s company has a packed programme during which the people of Sunderland can return their appreciation before it leaves naval service after 20 years, next spring.

Events will include an evening reception, on Friday July 7, while a public open day takes place on Sunday July 9, from 11am to 6pm.

Visitors should use the port’s Low Street pedestrian entrance.

The visit’s centre piece will see more than 240 officers and ratings exercising HMS Ocean’s freedom of the city, on Saturday July 8, marching through the streets accompanied by the Royal Marines’ Band, from Burdon Road, at 11am, and ending with a Mayoral reception, at the nearby Civic Centre.

A science/technology, event will be held on board for city secondary school pupils, on Monday July 10, while several sporting fixtures are arranged with local rugby and football teams.

Commanding Officer, Captain Robert Pedre, said: “It is indeed a great honour to bring HMS Ocean to Sunderland.

“The ship has maintained a long and close affiliation with the city of which we are justly proud.”