THE CREW of Royal Navy destroyer HMS York have sent a "thank you" message to York's residents for their support during the Iraq War.

Speaking to the Evening Press on a satellite phone, Lieutenant Commander Steve Greenway said the ship's crew was safe and well and heading for home.

Lt Cdr Greenway said: "We are due back on May 17. Morale is excellent, partly because we are coming home, but also because there is a feeling of a job well done.

"We want to say a big thank you to the people of York and North Yorkshire for their letters and support while we have been away."

Lt Cdr Greenway said HMS York and its crew are currently escorting HMS Ark Royal back from the Gulf and are somewhere in the Mediterranean.

The ship is due to make a short stop soon so the crew can enjoy some "rest and relaxation," though he was unable to say exactly where for military security reasons. While in the Gulf, the ship's duties have included escorting other vessels towards the coast for troop landings and acting as an escort for the US task force, particularly its aircraft carriers.

"We were not fired upon thankfully, but it was still fairly tense work, long hours in the heat," Lt Cdr Greenway said.

Crew members are due to visit York in July when HMS York sails from its base in Portsmouth to dock in Hull. The York has a total crew of 270. Its principal duty is aerial air defence and its main armament is the Sea Dart missile system.

Updated: 10:36 Saturday, April 26, 2003