A PARADE will take place through the streets of York this weekend to celebrate the return of the naval vessel which bears the city's name.

HMS York will arrive at the Port of Hull tomorrow, after being deployed in the Middle East as part of Operation Oracle, and supporting British and American forces in Iraq.

It will enter the estuary at about noon and arrive in Hull two hours later, with a fly-past from RAF Tucano aircraft, from Linton-on-Ouse.

The ship's company will congregate for a parade in Duncombe Place in York on Sunday, where they will be inspected by the Lord Mayor, Coun Charles Hall, before taking part in a procession.

Next week the crew will be visiting the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, the Nestl Rowntree factory, John Smith's Brewery and the children's ward at York Hospital.

On Thursday the Captain of HMS York, Commander Richard Powell, will visit Galtres School to hand over a cheque, which is the proceeds of sponsorship of the ship's triathlon team.

Updated: 10:45 Thursday, July 10, 2003