A WARSHIP could be named HMS Dido as a tribute to Bolton’s links with the Royal Navy.

Cllr Kevan Jones put forward a motion asking the council to write urging the Admiralty for them to consider using the name for one of 13 warships which will come into service after 2020.

And councillors have already received a response from the force, saying the name will be shortlisted.

Bolton citizens raised more than £1 million as part of “warship week” in 1941 which enabled the borough to adopt HMS Dido.

Cllr Jones said: “I hope that one day soon we can see the sight of a ships company mustering on Victoria Square with the name HMS Dido on their cap tallies whilst we welcome them to the Bolton family.”

Astley Bridge councillor Hilary Fairclough had written to the Ministry of Defence and read out an email from Sue Poole at Navy Command HQ.

It said: “Names put forward to the committee, either formally or informally, will always be considered as part of the process.

“Civil support for a particular name is always a strong point in favour — as are good battle honours or relevant history — but the name must still fit within the chosen theme of the class.

“The committee’s secretariat will consider the reintroduction of the name HMS Dido at its next meeting.”