THERE was sadness yesterday as Bolton's adopted ship, HMS Beaver, finally sailed into the sunset.

Sailors from the ship, along with Bolton's civic leaders, stood shoulder to shoulder to mark the end of a historic attachment.

Around 50 crew visited the town one last time to say their personal goodbyes.

They held a muster on Victoria Square when the Mayor, Cllr Peter Finch, accompanied by the Captain, inspected the crew and youngsters from Bolton Sea Cadets.

Honour

Later the Mayor accepted Beaver's Battle Honours Board from Lieutenant Commander Nick Barker. The Honours Board lists the campaigns in which Beaver has been involved during her 15-year spell of duty.

Cllr Finch said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to witness the association with this ship.

"It has served our country well and we hope Bolton's links with the Royal Navy will not die with her decommisioning."

Over the years the crew has built up strong connections with a number of organisations in the borough, raising money, establishing links and working for various charities.

In turn, the town has made welcome the ship's company, with local businesses, sporting organisations and others helping to lay on a programme to entertain crew members.

Bolton's historic tie with the Royal Navy dates from when generous residents raised more than a £1 million in war bonds during the Second World War which led to the adoption of HMS Dido in 1941.

The type 22 anti-submarine frigate HMS Beaver was built in Glasgow and launched in 1982.

She was adopted in 1984 and saw service in the Gulf, enforcing sanctions shortly after the war with Iraq ended.

The 280 sailors will be split up and dispersed among the rest of the Royal Navy.

Bolton will have to now wait to see whether another ship is offered to the town for adoption.

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