ONE of the busiest ships in the Royal Navy Fleet has made a stop in Harwich for a tour of the town hall.

HMS Mersey pulled over at Harwich International Port for a quick visit of the Guildhall before their onward work voyage.

During the visit, Harwich mayor Ivan Henderson and Lieutenant Commander Edward Munns exchanged plaques as a sign of friendship and enjoyed the unique feature of the Guildhall - the Carvings Room.

Etched into the wooden walls of the room are elaborate carvings of ships, gallows and symbols to ward off evil spirits all of which date from the late 18th century.

Mr Henderson said: “We have got a lovely plaque from HMS Mersey which we can put in a proud place in the Mayors’ Parlour together with other plaques we have received over the years.

“I was able to give the commander a nice Harwich Town Council crest plaque which will now be on the ship which is again quite an honour.

“It is really good for Harwich and our history to have that closeness and reconnection with the navy.”

In a letter to the mayor, commander Munns said: “ The ship spends upwards of 300 days a year at sea, and so our short stops alongside mean a lot to us – and being in a place like Harwich, with its rich naval history, has been very special.

“I was particularly taken with the carven images of ships in the wooden panelling of the former goal – fantastic that something so extraordinary should have survived for this length of time.

“I was equally delighted that you and four of your colleagues were able to join us on board for a reciprocal visit and tour. “ During the stay, Mr Henderson also had the chance to share his own 30-day experience with the navy when he was onboard HMS Northumberland in the Caribbean.

He said: “My experience showed me how professional our armed forces are and how proud we should be of them.

“This really gives you the confidence this country has always been a proud nation with its professional sailors an soldiers defending us.”