THE Royal Navy destroyer HMS York berthed in Hull today ahead of an historic five-day visit to the city from which it took its name.

Almost the entire crew of 250 officers and men will parade through York on Friday morning to exercise their right of Freedom of the City. Later, the crew will have a night on the town.

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Shan Braund, appealed to the city: "Please make them welcome. They are good lads and they are proud of their links with York. The last time they came here some pub landlords took one look at their uniforms and refused to serve them. That's not much of a York welcome."

Coun Braund and Sheriff of York, Barrie Ferguson, were on board as the warship docked after an overnight voyage from Leith, Edinburgh.

Coun Braund said: "It's been a fantastic trip. I'm one woman in a man's world, and it has been wonderful to see a warship operating at sea. And I've not been seasick once."

The officers and crew will attend a Royal Marines' Band charity concert at the Theatre Royal tomorrow evening and visit Nestl and John Smith's Brewery.

They will also visit two local schools, Galtres and Queen Margaret's at Escrick.

The ship will be open to the public in its berth at Hull's King George Dock from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

PICTURE: HMS York - berthed in Hull