A special visitor is sailing in to help mark 10th anniversary celebrations of a popular festival in Weymouth.

HMS Severn, one of a trio of Offshore Patrol Vessels monitoring the seas around the UK as part of the Royal Navy’s Fishery Squad, will moor in Weymouth Harbour during the Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival next month.

Its crew and captain will educate and entertain guests throughout the weekend of July 8-9, raising funds for the Fishermen’s Mission.

Festival-goers will be able to board HMS Severn, tour the ship and hear more about the work the Royal Navy and Fishermen’s Mission do along the UK coastline.

It will be open to the public between 11am and 4.30pm on both days. The vessel is part of the oldest squadron in the Navy, with its primary role to conduct marine enforcement patrols within the UK’s economic zone.

Lieutenant Chris Poulson said: “I am very much looking forward to attending the festival in the summer with the ship.

“Severn’s boarding teams and sea boat crews work with fishermen throughout the year and we look forward to supporting and meeting all of those involved in the industry, from those who catch and market the fish all the way through to those who cook and serve it.”

Nick O’Neil, of the Fishermen’s Mission, added: “We are extremely proud, grateful and appreciative that HMS Severn and all the crew will be attending this year’s Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival.

“The Fishermen’s Mission enjoys a good working relationship with the fishery patrols and know that the work they carry out is of vital importance to ensuring that legislation and safety are adhered to.

“We are all very grateful for the support and encouragement from the Royal Navy and hope that visitors enjoy seeing, hearing and learning more about the role HMS Severn plays.”

The seafood festival attracts thousands of visitors each year and, as it marks its 10th anniversary, this years event promises to be extra special.

The festival, which takes place around the harbourside is free to attend, offers champagne and seafood, family entertainment and an opportunity to discover the variety of seafood available to us just off our shores.

For more information, visit www.dorsetseafood.co.uk