A ROYAL Navy chef who will be all at sea over the festive season has sent his family a Christmas message.

Nicholas Robinson will be on operations in the heat of the Gulf on board frigate, HMS Kent – one of 8 Royal Navy Ships deployed to the region throughout the festive period.

The 27-year-old leading chef will be serving colleagues Christmas dinner while parents Catherine and Dave Robinson tuck into their lunch back home in Billingham with the rest of the family.

The Middlesbrough fan has recorded a Christmas message for all of his family and friends.

He said: “To my girlfriend Chloe, shame we have to spend our first Christmas away from each other but it’s not long till I’m home again.”

Leader Robinson, who attended Northfield School in Billingham, joined the Royal Navy in February 2009.

Over the festive period he will be based on HMS Kent providing support to the operations in the Gulf region.

The ship is usually based at Portsmouth in Hampshire but will remain in the Gulf until her return in May.