HMS Newcastle will make a farewell visit to its adopted city next month.

The Type 42 destroyer, which is being decommissioned as part of the Government's defence cuts, will stay on the River Tyne for six days.

The visit will begin on Wednesday, September 22, and will include a freedom parade by the ship's company and a dinner for former captains.

Organisers are also hoping to find people involved in the ship's construction at Swan Hunter, between 1973 and 1975, to join the celebrations.

In 1978, the ship and her crew were given the honorary freedom of Newcastle in recognition of her service to the city and country, joining famous names such as former US President Jimmy Carter.

Last year, the ship and her crew returned to her adopted home to celebrate her silver anniversary.

Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor George Douglas, said: "While I am delighted to be welcoming the crew of HMS Newcastle back home, it is with great sadness that we must say goodbye to a ship which has served both the city and country so well with such distinction for over a quarter of a century."

The first ship to bear the name HMS Newcastle was built in 1653 and remained in service until it sunk in 1703.

The current ship,which is the eighth to carry the name, has been involved in operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Anybody who worked on the construction of HMS Newcastle at Swan Hunter is asked to write to Newcastle City Council byWednesday, August 11, with letters addressed to Jane Donnelly, Lord Mayor's principal secretary, Lord Mayor's Chambers, Newcastle Civic Centre, Newcastle NE1 8QA