Very big gun backs Durhams bid!

One of the biggest ships in the Royal Navy is putting its considerable weight behind Durham’s bid to be the first UK City of Culture in 2013.

The 18,400-tonne amphibious landing ship HMS Bulwark, which is affiliated to the county, is the latest big gun to back the bid. The entire Ship’s Company of around 400 have joined 33,000 others who have pledged their support so far.

Captain Gavin Pritchard, commanding officer of the 176m long warship, which visited the North East this week (January 29-February 1) said: “We in HMS Bulwark count ourselves privileged to be affiliated with the county and strive to always strengthen the bond between the ship and ‘her county’ no matter where we are in the world.

“It gives me great pleasure, therefore, to send the Ship’s Company’s best wishes to Durham and back the bid to become City of Culture in 2013.”

Councillor Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “HMS Bulwark and her Ship’s Company have been very positive ambassadors for the county throughout our affiliation and we’re proud to have them ‘on board’ supporting our bid.”

HMS Bulwark arrived in the Tyne on January 28 after completing exercises in Norway in which she attained the ceremonial Blue Nose awarded to a ship and its company on crossing into the Arctic or Antarctic Circle.

She is berthed at Northumbria Quay, North Shields for four days before going into dock at Devonport.