SAILORS from Bolton's adopted ship HMS Beaver will be saying their final farewells this weekend when they present the town with the ship's Battle Honours.

It will mark the end of a link forged in January 1984, when HMS Beaver took over from her predecessor, HMS Dido, which began the tradition more than 50 years ago.

HMS Beaver, a type 22 frigate, has been decommissioned as part of the Ministry of Defence's strategic defence review. And around 50 crew members have decided to visit the town, one last time, to say their own personal goodbyes.

The 280 crew from the ship will be split up and dispersed among the rest of the Royal Navy.

Charities

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 hosted the company with local businesses, sporting organisations and others helping 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 adopted the following year after being 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.

This weekend's events were due to start today as the crew led by Lt Commander Nick Barker arrived in town. A VIP reception for the captain is being held at the new Atlantis nightclub.

Tomorrow, HMS Beaver teams will play a rounders match against Darcy Lever rounders team at Darcy Lever cricket club and a rugby match against Bolton Rugby Union Club at Avenue Street. In the evening, the Mayor will host a dinner in the parlour for the Captain and local night clubs will host crew members.

A muster takes place on Sunday at 11.30am on Victoria Square, when the Mayor, accompanied by the Captain, will inspect the crew and youngsters from Bolton Sea Cadets.

After the muster, there will be a lunch in the town hall for invited guests when the Mayor will accept Beaver's Battle of Honours Board from Lt Commander Barker. The Honours Board list the campaigns in which Beaver has been involved during her 15-year spell of duty.

Council leader, Bob Howarth, said: "It is going to be a bitter sweet occasion. We are always happy to see HMS Beaver in Bolton but there will be a sadness on this visit

Ship

"Many friends have been made over the years the ship has been associated with Bolton and no doubt the council and the dozens of other organisations and associations who have hosted Beaver events will miss the connection. Whether the Navy will offer us another suitable vessel in the future remains to be seen, but everyone has fond memories of Beaver."

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