Landlocked Ledbury's ocean voyage

The ship helped secure a foothold for troops in Iraq

A group of civic dignitaries from landlocked Herefordshire are boarding the Gulf minesweeper HMS Ledbury.

The Mayor of Ledbury, Councillor Keith Francis and other delegates from the town are being welcomed on board the ship as it docks back into Portsmouth harbour.

They have been invited by the crew to thank the town for their support during the war.

The ship played a vital role in Iraq, clearing a safe path to enable the capture of the port of Um Qasr.

Commanding Officer, Peter Olive, told the BBC, HMS Ledbury has a real connection with the Herefordshire town.

He said the crew wanted to say thank you for all the letters, support and warm feeling they received from the town during the conflict.