THE world's oldest warship still afloat is set to be altered in a bid to help it cope with an increased demand for events on board.

HMS Trincomalee, which is berthed at Jackson Dock in Hartlepool, has the title following the announcement that the USS Constitution has been moved to dry dock until 2017 for her first major restoration in over 20 years.

The trustees of the historic ship, a 46-gun, fifth rate Leda-class frigate, have announced plans to combine the gun deck and Captain’s cabin to accommodate about 150 people. At present it can host 30 to 40 guests for official functions in the cabin.

David McKnight, general manager at HMS Trincomalee, said: “Over the past 12 months, we have had a sizeable increase in the number of events including business functions and weddings being hosted on board. As well as the gun deck and Captain’s cabin, the mess deck is also used for events, which provides plenty of atmosphere for guests.”

The historic warship has recently played host to a wide variety of events including comedy nights, cocktail parties, fayres, ghost hunting experiences, live music, military and private dinners and even a belly dancing festival.

Mr McKnight added: “The planned alteration is relatively straightforward as the gun deck is right next to the Captain’s cabin and is separated only by a dividing wall.

“The bulkhead between the Captain’s cabin and the gun deck will be made demountable in line with the ship’s traditions. This means that the whole of the gun deck and Captain’s cabin will open up for larger functions.

“We are looking towards our bicentenary and there is a lot of interest in dinners and functions. We need to maximise the benefit of having increased capacity.”

Peter Olsen, deputy chairman of the Trust, said: “The trustees are sounding out interest for 2017 functions. Now is the time to be doing that and we need to make sure we have the space available for them.

"The Trust will also begin to focus more on its plans for fundraising for the 2017 bicentenary celebrations.

“They will begin in earnest at the end of March and run for two years effectively. We are making the ship function ready.”

For more information visit www.hms-trincomalee.co.uk, call 01429-223193 or email visit@hms-trincomalee.co.uk.