HMS Ocean lowers the gangplank

HMS Ocean arrived back from the Gulf in May

Visitors will be able to tour the Royal Navy's largest ship as HMS Ocean lowers the gangplank to the public on Wearside.

Sunderland's affiliated ship has been visiting the city to take part in the International Airshow.

She is docked at Corporation Quay and is open to visitors on Tuesday from 1100 BST until 1600 BST.

Visitors will be able to tour the carrier, see the flight deck and a number of displays and demonstrations.

The ship is the heaviest vessel in the Royal Navy and can sail for 8,000 miles without re-fuelling.

Humanitarian rescues

Captain Chris Clayton said the crew was looking forward to welcoming people on board:

He said: "It is the only ship of its sort in the navy and I like to think it has been the busiest ship in the navy over the last few years.

"Whenever there has been a problem, Ocean has been there.

"Whether it is looking after humanitarian rescues in Nicaragua or Sierra Leone, or the recent operations in Iraq, Ocean has always been in the middle of it.

"We are linked to Sunderland, we love it, and we really want the people of Sunderland and the North East generally to come and see us and talk to us."