One last visit: Ark Royal says farewell to home port

The commanding officer of HMS Ark Royal said it was a "sad" day as the aircraft carrier returned to its home port for the final time.

The Royal Navy fleet flagship arrived at Portsmouth Naval Base yesterday following a farewell tour of the UK, including the Clyde, after being axed in the government's defence review.

Crowds of people braved the cold to wave home the ship, flying a decommissioning pennant the length of the vessel, as it sailed into port for the last time through thick fog.

Ark Royal's farewell voyage also took it to Newcastle, where it was built, at the Swan Hunter yard at Wallsend.

During the trip, the vessel had its ammunition removed and four Harrier GR9 pilots took off from the deck for the last time, marking the end of service for the jump jet, which is also being axed.

A flypast by the Harriers was cancelled because of the weather conditions.

Last month, the Queen made a farewell visit to the ship at Portsmouth at an event held to mark the ship's 25th anniversary in service.