The Type 23 frigate HMS Monmouth arrived at the Naval base at lunch time. The ship’s company of around 180 personnel are now looking forward to spending some time ashore in Gibraltar.

Captain Commodore Gordon Ruddock said: “We are delighted to be here at the end of a busy seven month deployment. Gibraltar is the ideal last stop to refuel and stock up, it is also a perfect opportunity for the crew to relax and recuperate for a few days.”

She is the seventh ship to bear this name and was launched by Lady Eaton in 1991, being commissioned two years later.