IT was ship ahoy for almost 50 Chiddingfold residents, who travelled to Portsmouth to welcome home the ship bearing the village name.

HMS Chiddingfold, a minehunter which was launched in 1983, has been in service with the Royal Navy since 1984, returned to her home port after three years at sea last week.

Chiddingfold rector, the Rev Sarah Brough, who was among the group of 46 who stood on the famous Round Tower on the approach to Portsmouth harbour, said: “We had a wonderful day and the weather was perfect.”

The group waved and cheered as HMS Chiddingfold sailed past on the dot of 10.30am.

“It was very moving to see the sailors looking so smart and dignified as they stood to attention around the ship. As they sailed past a senior officer gave permission for them to wave back, and so they did.”

The ship carried on into the naval base where the present crew were reunited with their loved ones following a six-month tour.