No Norfolk dock for namesake ship

HMS Norfolk sailed in to Ipswich - to renew links with Norfolk

The Royal Navy's HMS Norfolk has arrived on a five-day visit to strengthen its links with the county - by docking at Ipswich.

The Royal Navy frigate sailed in to the Suffolk port on Thursday afternoon to re-establish the ship's links with the county from which it takes its name

There is nowhere suitable for the ship to dock on the Norfolk side of the county border.

Commanding Officer Tony Radakin said the ties between ship and county were very worthwhile.

"The links are very important for the navy as a whole because we as a navy serve the people of this country," he said.

It is important that the ships have these affiliations and that these affiliations are strong and kept alive Commanding Officer Tony Radakin

Without strong affiliations around the country, the service would be seen solely as "a navy all at sea".

"It is important that the ships have these affiliations and that these affiliations are strong and kept alive," he said.

Members of the public will not be able to look round HMS Norfolk, although pre-arranged tours are taking place for some groups.

The frigate, which will be at Cliff Quay until Monday morning, docked in Ipswich on Thursday afternoon.

She was met by members of Ipswich's Royal Naval Association.