CREW members from HMS York visited patients in the children's ward at York District Hospital during their latest visit to the city.

Chief Petty Officers from the Royal Navy ship have adopted the ward as their Mess Charity.

Stuart Tulett, chief petty officer, and mess president, said: "We hope to establish a lasting and fruitful link with the children's ward. It's a really worthwhile and deserving cause which the chiefs have adopted."

Petty Officers, meanwhile, visited St Leonard's Hospice, which is their adopted charity.

They have raised funds throughout the last year including raising more than £300 in the London Marathon.

They helped with decorating work at the new extension at the hospice.

The ship is docked in Hull at the moment and another long-standing friendship was renewed when students and care assistants from Galtres School in York went aboard ship for a tour.

Commander Paul Porter said: "It is great to be back amongst old friends and to have the opportunity to reaffirm our affiliations with the City of York and to meet the people of Hull."

Updated: 12:05 Friday, July 06, 2001