HMS BULWARK has been honoured for her Olympic and Paralympic service with a special flag.

Mayor of Portland Sylvia Bradley presented the specially commissioned Portland flag to the crew of the fleet flagship in recognition of their work during this summer’s Games.

The warship provided security services in Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay as part of the Olympic and Paralympic maritime security plan in partnership with Dorset Police .

Mrs Bradley said she had been ‘very impressed’ when she had visited the ship and said she wanted to recognise ‘the commitment of all the men and women who worked so hard to support the Olympics and Paralympics in the region.’ She said: “My visit to the ship was quite remarkable, arriving into the dock inside in a passenger vessel was just amazing.” She added: “It has been good to have the Royal Navy back on the island.”

Commanding Officer of HMS Bulwark Captain Alex Burton said: “This is a kind gesture from the Mayor of Portland and cements an enduring relationship that Portland and the community still maintains with the Royal Navy, long after HMS Osprey closed. We would like to thank the Mayor and all islanders for their hospitality and friendship.”

HMS Bulwark will depart today for Devonport.