A naval ship will dock in Whitehaven this weekend.

HMS Biter, one of the Royal Navy’s coastal patrol vessels, will visit over the weekend and is open to public viewing on the Sugar Tongue from 1pm to 4pm.

The vessel is used for training officers but is also a fully operational vessel.

A planned visit by a sister ship was cancelled a few years ago after the ship was called to duty.

HMS Biter’s role includes supporting Royal Navy exercises and training, working with youth groups and cadets, and engagement with the local community.

Manchester & Salford University Royal Naval Unit was formed in 1990 to provide training to students from Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan and Salford Universities, and to educate them about the Royal Navy.

The syllabus is based primarily around navigation and seamanship both ashore and at sea, and also provides opportunities for travel.

These drill nights include theoretical instruction, practical chartwork and an insight into Naval and military activities. Sport and Adventurous Training plays an important role in developing teamwork and leadership within the unit.

In addition, each student will normally attend three sea-training weekends and a two-week deployment over the Easter or Summer holidays. Recruiting takes place at the start of each academic year in early October.