HMS Kent has arrived in the town of Dover for a visit to her namesake county this weekend.

The visit will enable the ship to reaffirm its historic links to the town, its people and several affiliated organisations.

Tours for invited community groups will be conducted on the vessel over the weekend.

Commander Jez Brettell, Kent’s new Commanding Officer, said: “It is a genuine pleasure to visit the ship’s home town and it is only right that Dover is our inaugural port visit of 2022.

"We are exceptionally proud of the name the ship carries, the strong maritime links we have with our county and our motto - Invicta! (Unconquered!)”

Port of Dover chief executive, Doug Bannister, said: "The Port is delighted to welcome HMS Kent back to Dover and her home county this weekend for the first time since 2020.

"We are pleased to be hosting the ship and her company as they conduct engagement with community groups, including the Sea Cadets, and visit local sites such as Dover Castle.”

HMS Kent recently returned from a seven month Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Far East and will shortly be conducting an engineering support period to prepare for operational sea training and deployment later this year.

HMS Kent is the 12th ship to bear the name.

She was built in Clyde, Scotland, and was launched on May 27, 1998 by Princess Alexandra of Kent.

As one of the Royal Navy’s newest frigates, she’s been specially designed for versatility, meaning she can undertake a wide variety of operations, from combat and humanitarian aid.

The ship weighs approximately 4,900 tons, is 133 metres long and can reach speeds greater than 28 knots.