British Warship Home from Middle East

Portsmouth-based 'HMS Westminster' returns home from a Middle East deployment which included a £14-million drugs bust.

During seven months away - clocking up more than 44,000 miles (71,000km) - the ship disrupted three groups of suspected pirates who were targeting merchant shipping and conducted security patrols in the Gulf and Indian Ocean.

The Type 23 frigate also seized more than 70 bales containing pure heroin from a dhow in the Indian Ocean.

HMS Westminster also paid goodwill visits across the region from Aqaba in Jordan to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and took part in numerous exercises with coalition and allied forces.

The ship's Commanding Officer, Captain Nick Hine, said: "I am tremendously proud of all that we have achieved. My fantastic ship's company has risen to every challenge that has been laid before them and we have had a tangible effect in making the UK's interests more secure as a result."