HMS Shoreham has docked in Shoreham this afternoon.

The mine sweeper has a long association with the area and was awarded the Freedom of Shoreham in February 2011 by Adur District Council.

Residents welcomed the ship as it docked at the Inner Harbour through the lock gates at 4pm today. 

People gathered at viewing spots on the Eastern Harbour Arm, beside the Lock Gates in Southwick, Shoreham Fort on the Western Arm and on the Kingston Beach by the RNLI Boat Station.   

It will then depart on Monday May 16 with the time to be advised.

A council spokesman said: “Shoreham, and Adur District Council, has long standing affiliations with the Royal Navy's HMS Shoreham, which is a Sandown Class mine countermeasure vessel (MCMV).”

The 600 tonne vessel measures in at 52.5m in length and is as long as Nelson’s Column is tall.

Four Royal Navy ships have previously been called Shoreham.

The original was built in Shoreham and launched in January 1694.