Two groups of 90 people wil be able to visit HMS Edinburgh which will anchor off the harbour

A Royal Navy destroyer is plotting a course to Lyme Regis for a three day visit to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Officials have confirmed that HMS Edinburgh, will arrive at 2pm on Friday, May 18, and will drop anchor just outside the harbour and in full view of the town.

The programme, revealed today (Wednesday) includes the chance for 180 people to go aboard the Type 42 warship, a football match with the crew playing Lyme Regis FC, a gig race, official engagements including a civic reception, and the ship’s commanding officer and crew members attending the official naming of the Jubilee Pavilion on Marine Parade.

Mayor Sally Holman said: “This is a great honour for Lyme Regis and I am delighted the visit coincides with the naming of our Jubilee Pavilion.

“We owe a big thank-you to those who worked hard behind the scenes to make it possible for the visit of HMS Edinburgh.”

One of the highlights is the chance for two groups of 90 people to visit the warship.

They will be taken out to HMS Edinburgh by a Liberty boat from Brixham between 2pm and 4pm on the Saturday.

Tickets, on a first come basis, will cost �2 and are available at the harbourmaster’s office on the Cobb from 9am today (Wednesday).

The ship’s visit begins with a civic reception on the Friday evening. On Saturday there are races across the bay with Lyme Regis Gig Club hosting the event from 10am.

Later, there’s a football match with the ship’s crew at Davey Fort – home of Lyme Regis FC – starting at 2pm.

Earlier in the day members of the Woodroffe School Combined Cadet Force and Bridport Sea Cadet Unit will visit the warship.

On Sunday, May 20, at 3pm the commanding officer of HMS Edinburgh, Nick Borbone, and Commodore Jamie Miller will join the mayor, past mayor Barbara Austin, Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset Minnie Churchill and guests for the Jubilee Pavilion naming ceremony.

There will be a guard from the ship and a fanfare team from the Royal Marine band from Lympstone. Lyme Regis Town Band will also be on duty playing marches.

Cllr Holman added:” We hope as many people as possible will come along and enjoy the spectacle. It’s going to be a very special week-end.”

May 20 also sees the arrival of a cruise ship, the MV Silverseas Explorer, the first such vessel to visit Lyme Regis for many years. She will anchor off the Cobb.

Harbourmaster Grahame Forshaw said: ”This will be a marvellous opportunity for the people of Lyme Regis to get a close look at the Navy. I also think it is a remarkable occasion to have two large vessels at anchor off the town at one time.”