Royal Navy survey ship returning

HMS Roebuck has been leading anti-mine operations

The Royal Navy survey ship HMS Roebuck is due to return to its home port of Plymouth later, marking the end of a 12-month deployment.

The ship has been leading a Nato response force on counter-mine measures around the UK and the Mediterranean.

The 60-strong crew are expected to line the deck dressed in full ceremonial uniform as the vessel sails into Devonport through Plymouth Sound.

A Navy spokesman said it had been a long deployment for a ship of its size.

"The high tempo of operations that are involved in being the flagship for a Nato response force group have meant a persistently high level of commitment and hard work from the ship's crew and a lot of understanding and patience from their families," he said.