WHEN the HMS Ledbury crew visited Ledbury, crowds gathered to watch a healthy cooking demonstration before eating the delicious pasta and chicken dishes on offer. The highlight of the day was the completion of the triathlon by crew members who had swum, cycled and run the 220 kilometres from Portsmouth, where the ship is in dock, to the Market House in Ledbury. With Bill the Bell heralding their arrival, and people cheering, the runners were given a heroes welcome. Collecting buckets held by uniformed sailors were fundraising for the Soldiers Sailors and Airforce Association and for the neonatal unit Ickle Pickles.

Newly appointed mayor, Annette Crowe warmly welcomed the crew to Ledbury saying how proud the town was to have this special link and relationship with the Hunt Class ship which bears the name HMS Ledbury.