Cumbrian Officer sails Navy ship into Whitehaven

A Cumbrian Royal Navy Officer is sailing his own ship into his home county in support of the Whitehaven Festival.

33-year-old Gary Bickley, who is the Commanding Officer of HMS Pursuer, is visiting his home town of Workington before sailing into Whitehaven.

HMS Pursuer will be open to visitors attending the annual festival as part of the weekend’s celebrations.

A second P2000 fast patrol boat, HMS Archer, under the command of Lieutenant James Martin, will also support the festival.

Officer Bickley said:

“It gives me a huge amount of joy tobring HMS Pursuer into my home town as her commanding officer.

"I’m looking forward to being able to show her off to my friends and family and to local people while supporting the Whitehaven Festival over the weekend."