Plans to preserve HMS Northumberland's anchor

The anchor from the Royal Navy vessel HMS Northumberland could be preserved in one of the county's museums.

Named for the Duke of Northumberland, the Type 23 frigate was built by Swan Hunter at Wallsend, North Tyneside, and was launched in 1992.

After deployments across the world, it was announced last year the ship would be decommissioned, with Defence Secretary John Healey stating it had become "uneconomical to repair".

Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said he hoped the 3.5 tonne (3,500kg) anchor could be acquired to go along with the ship's bell and deck plates already allocated as memorabilia.

Alnwick Castle councillor Gordon Castle stressed the importance of preserving the ship's heritage ahead of "the old warrior" being scrapped in a few months time.

He asked the council leader to ensure "such a significant part of our naval heritage is never forgotten."

Sanderson, Conservative, said: "HMS Northumberland helped in the Caribbean catching cocaine smugglers and followed Russian vessels in the Atlantic.

"She was a great vessel and our relationship was very strong."

The anchor has been described as a "challenge" to obtain but Sanderson said "it is only right we keep asking for even more now."

The Royal Navy Frigate was granted the Freedom of Northumberland by the council in 2002.

It was designed for anti-submarine warfare but was also used for security patrols, escort duties and anti-piracy missions.

In 2023, it spent its time in the North Atlantic, North Sea and Arctic Circle.

One of its missions was to shadow two Russian destroyers, as they sailed near UK waters.

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