SAILORS from County Durham's newly-adopted warship are in the area to cement the fledgling friendship.

A two-day visit by HMS Bulwark's commanding officer, Captain Keith Winstanley, and a small number of the ship's company, yesterday and today, is the first under the new affiliation.

County Durham has not had such a link with the Royal Navy since its previous adopted ship, HMS Brazen, was sold to the Brazilian Navy in 1996.

The sale marked the end of a friendship which began when the 4,200-tonne frigate was launched 14 years previously.

Durham's connection with HMS Bulwark was formed at its launch in Barrow last November. The ship is one of two being built to replace HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid, and is currently being fitted out.

Following sea trials, it is expected to enter service next year, when it will be able to carry up to 700 troops, a range of vehicles, eight landing craft and two helicopters.

Yesterday, Captain Winstanley and his colleagues visited County Hall and attended a cricket match at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street.

Today, they will visit Bishop Auckland General Hospital, where they will donate toys to the children's ward.

County council chairman, Councillor, Charlie Magee, said: "Our affiliation with the Royal Navy, through HMS Brazen, was extremely successful. I am delighted to be able to renew it through such a splendid ship as HMS Bulwark."