A NEW Naval alliance has been formally marked at a special ceremony.

Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd presented a certificate to members of the crew of RFA Wave Knight in the Civic Suite to confirm their affiliation.

RFA Wave Knight belongs to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, a civilian-crewed branch of the Royal Navy tasked with providing fuel, food, fresh water, ammunition and other supplies to Royal Navy vessels around the world.

The vessel is able to operate in support of amphibious forces, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare operations and protection of vital sea areas and shipping.

Mr Budd said: “Middlesbrough has a proud history of association with Royal Navy ships, so I’m delighted to formally mark our new affiliation with RFA Wave Knight.”

Chief Officer Pierre Wyatt presented the Mayor with a replica of the Wave Knight’s crest.

He said: "The captain is very keen to bring the ship in Middlesbrough as soon as we can.”