Ship ready for operational duties

HMS Cumberland has a crew of 260

A rededication ceremony has been held to welcome a Royal Navy frigate back into service.

The ceremony marked the completion of an 18-month refit, sea trials and training period for HMS Cumberland.

The £20m refit of the Type-22 frigate was carried out by Babcock Marine at Devonport Dockyard.

It included work on the ship's hull and superstructure, and an upgrade to its propulsion, communications and weapons systems and accommodation.

"HMS Cumberland is now ready in all respects to be tasked by the Commander-in-Chief Fleet for operations," Cdr Peter Sparkes, the ships commanding officer said.

The 486ft (148m) long vessel has a crew of 260.

Before its refit the frigate was involved in a major drugs seizure off the coast of Nicaragua, when two tonnes of cocaine with an estimated street value of about £200m was recovered from a speedboat.