NAVY and borough chiefs have confirmed that HMS Dauntless will be open to the public when she visits Great Yarmouth for the first time.

The Type 45 destroyer, pictured, will make her first appearance in port on October 8 when officials hope she will be given a warm welcome by townsfolk proud to see the formidable new ship at “home” in the town’s new outer harbour.

Mayoral and civic events officer Laura Goodman said up to 200 people at a time will be able to visit the ship on Sunday, October 10, and be able to wander around freely once on board.

The council is operating a shuttle bus service from the Pleasure Beach to the outer harbour compound where strict security will mean bag searches.

Pomp and ceremony will accompany the historic visit, with 150 of the crew parading alongside civic dignitaries from the town hall to St Nicholas’ Church on Sunday at 10.45am.

Mrs Goodman said the coming of the brand new ship was a massive calendar highlight that would trigger a weekend of celebration that would involve the whole community.

Borough council leader Barry Colman, welcomed the visit. He said: “We are really quite excited about the whole weekend and it is going to be the culmination of a series of big events for the town including the Tour of Britain cycle race.

“To be associated with the most powerful ship in the Navy is quite something for Yarmouth and Norfolk so we are looking forward to the visit very much.”