A GOOD turnout is hoped to welcome HMS Chiddingfold returning to Portsmouth Harbour, tomorrow (Friday) following a three-year deployment in the Gulf on mine-sweeping exercises.

A group of well-wishers from the village are going down by coach to wave from the city’s Round Tower, which the ship is due to pass at around 10.45am, on Friday, September 1.

Chiddingfold rector Rev Sarah Brough said: “We hope a great number will turn out to wave and cheer as she passes by.

“Our Sunday school children are making ‘Welcome Home’ banners and the Mayor of Waverley councillor Simon Inchbald and his wife Rosie plan to be in a attendance.”

The coach leaves Chiddingfold between 8.30am and 9am. To book a seat, email [email protected]

Earlier this month, thousands of people travelled to Portsmouth to see the new £3billion aircraft carrier HMS Elizabeth arrive for the first time in her new home port – the first of two ordered by the Government