DIGNITARIES and families gathered on a 16,000-tonne Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship in Portland Port for a service of dedication.

The long-awaited dedication of RFA Lyme Bay had been postponed for a year due to a busy schedule, which has involved her travelling to Norway and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic - the remotest island in the world.

It marked the culmination of hard work from a skilled and dedicated team from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Sponsor of the ship Lady Fry, who recently moved from Sandhurst to Sherborne, said: "It's taken a long time to get to where we are today.

"The ship's been busy. She's done more sea miles than a lot of ships would have done in three years."

She added: "I was invited to be the lady sponsor, which is quite an honour and not something you can really say no to.

"I'm lucky it's such a unique type of craft to be a sponsor of.

"It works very well that the ship is linked to Dorset and we've just moved here."

RFA Lyme Bay is the final of four Landing Ship Dock Auxiliary vessels designed to transport troops, battle tanks and a vast array of other military vehicles and containers.

She is affiliated to Dorchester and intends to develop this link to the area throughout the ship's life.

Guests included the Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Dorset James Gibson Fleming, High Sheriff of Dorset John Raymond, chairman of Dorset County Council John Peake and Bridport sea cadets TS Keppel.

Captain of the ship Kevin Rimell said: "Today has been excellent.

"It was primarily for the ship and ship's company and their families.

"We've got virtually every member of the ship's company here and two thirds have managed to get their families down."

The Rev Bernard Clarke of the Royal Navy conducted a service of dedication before Lady Fry and the youngest member of the ship's company, Roxanne Challinor, cut the dedication cake and guests were treated to an extensive seafood buffet.

Mayor of Portland Sandy West said: "I'm very proud to be here. My husband, brother and nephew have all worked in the RFA. It's not just about supplying ammunition, it's the backbone of the Royal Navy."