Ship sailing in for first visit

Landing craft can leave and enter the ship's stern dock.

One of the Royal Navy's biggest ships is due to arrive for a five-day visit to the north-east of England.

The 20,000 tonne amphibious assault ship HMS Bulwark, which was built at BAE Systems in Barrow, Cumbria, is making its first visit to the region.

The ship will be formally commissioned into the Royal Navy next year and is affiliated with County Durham and will forge local links during the visit.

She will be berthed on the River Tyne at Tyne Commission Quay, North Shields.

The ship is officially known as a Landing Platform Dock and has an ability to 'dock-down' lowering the ship's stern in the water so that landing craft can leave and enter its stern dock.

It means up to four roll-on/roll-off design landing craft can enter the dock to transport men and equipment ashore during amphibious landings.

The ship will be open to visitors on Saturday.