A SHIP preparing to head to the Middle East for a possible war with Iraq has left Portland Port.

Falklands veteran Sir Tristram, of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, is set to link up with sister ships Sir Galahad and Sir Percival before heading to the Middle East for a potential conflict with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Portland Port bosses, who were delighted to welcome Sir Tristram to the area, say its sailing was the first operational departure from Portland since the Gulf War.

While at Portland, Sir Tristram has received routine maintenance, repairs, received stores and taken on 280 tonnes of fuel from the nearby Mere Tank Farm.

Two other naval auxiliaries have also spent time at Portland recently and port bosses said they are pleased Portland has been busy over the past few weeks.

Other naval auxiliaries in the harbour recently include MV Hurst Point, for maintenance and fuel, and the 36,580-ton replenishment ship RFA Fort George.

Stephen Davies, Portland Port director and general manager, said: "It has been good to have several RFAs over the past few weeks. They have come here for various reasons and Sir Tristram has been a bit special. We wish her well and look forward to seeing her back safe and sound before too long."

Port bosses say maintenance and voyage repairs on RFAs is contracted to Southampton firm Marine Engineering and Fabrication, who then sub-contract locally when required.

Michael Thew, managing director of the firm, said: "We like working on the RFAs in Portland. It has an excellent deep water harbour and good general facilities. It is convenient to both Portsmouth and Devonport and there are several local companies, with the necessary skills and MoD approvals, upon whom we can call for assistance."