A DESCENDENT of a former Captain of the HMS Trincomalee has taken over as president of the Trust that looks after the former warship.

Colonel Euan Houston takes over from Captain David Smith, who died in March, with a brief of developing the international image of the oldest floating war ship in Europe.

The 67-year-old, who served in the armed forces for more than 37 years, said he is proud to take on the role with the trust that is closely linked to his family.

He said: “It’s very exciting from my point of view as there is a strong family connection dating back to 1852 when my great-great-great uncle, Captain Wallace Houston, took over command of the ship for five years.

“He sailed HMS Trincomalee to Port Stanley in the Falklands in 1852 and almost 150 years to the day I arrived in Port Stanley at the start of the conflict.”

The ship was used as a training vessel before it was decommissioned in 1987 when it was decided that necessary repair and renovation work.

The frigate was finally fully restored in 2000 and has been a flagship attraction in Hartlepool’s Historic Quay.

Colonel Houston added: “We need to start raising money to ensure that we can maintain the condition of the ship to ensure that it is still a major attraction in the area.

“I will also be looking to raise its global profile as the oldest floating war ship in Europe.”