ROYAL Navy warship HMS Blyth will sail into Barry on Friday, September 4, in support of the Barry Waterfront Festival, playing host to members of HMS Cambria based at Sully.

The 600 tonne, Sandown Class Mine Hunter arrives alongside Enterprise Quay at approximately 7am on Friday for a three-day visit.

On both Saturday and Sunday – from 2pm-5pm and 10am-5pm respectively – the ship will open to visitors, allowing locals not only to get a taste of life on the ocean wave, but giving them the opportunity to see what HMS Cambria’s reserve unit can offer.

And ashore at Enterprise Quay, reservists will be on hand to chat about how they fit their military commitments around the jobs and family lives, and the flexibility it allows.

There will also be a small reception for invited guests in the evening on Friday.

HMS Blyth will be sailing on the morning tide on Monday, September 7.

Commanding Officer of HMS Blyth, Lieutenant Commander Des Donworth, said: "We are very much looking forward to spending time in Barry. I hope as many local people as possible will come and see the ship for themselves this weekend.

"It is going to be a particular pleasure for us to host some of our reservist colleagues from HMS Cambria – the Royal Naval Reserve is an important element of Royal Navy manning. There are several specialities found only in the reserves, all of which contribute vital capability to the regular full-time service.

"It is always good for us to hear more about what the reserves are up to and how they fit into our teams.

"So we’ll be as keen as the public to meet them and hear about their experiences and what they bring to the organisation."

Mine countermeasures vessel HMS Blyth is considered one of the best mine hunters in the world. At 52m long, with a beam of 10m and a displacement of 600 tonnes, the vessel carries two remote controlled submersibles and a team of clearance divers whose job it is to dispose of mines by fitting explosives.

With a top speed of 13 knots, Blyth is a highly manoeuvrable vessel, and her 30mm gun and three general purpose machine guns means that she can also be used as a formidable patrol craft.

Blyth usually carries a crew of 34, but can accommodate up to 40 people if necessary.