ROYAL Navy officers are to give the public an insight into the work they do around the globe.

Two officers from the Royal Navy have invited local residents, politicians, media and business people from the Scarborough area to a talk at the Royal Hotel, at 6.30pm tonight.

The main speaker will be Commander Brian Warren, who was the last commanding officer of Scarborough's own affiliated warship, the amphibious assault ship HMS Fearless.

When HMS Fearless was decommissioned last May, he visited the town with his ship's company to march the streets and hand over the ship's bell and honours board.

Along with his co-presenter, Lieutenant Karen Jacques, he will give invited guests a detailed insight into the work of the Royal Navy and will outline the role of forces and Royal Marines in the fight against international terrorism since the September 11 tragedy.

Cmdr Warren said: "The Royal Navy costs the taxpayer £8bn a year, part of a £29bn defence budget, and it is important to explain how and why that money is spent."