HMS Cornwall has presented her ship's bell to Truro Cathedral as the final ceremonial event in the ship's life before she was handed over to the Disposal and Reserve Ship's Organisation (DRSO) last week.

The bell was presented by Lt Andy Howell RN, HMS Cornwall's deputy weapon engineer officer, to The Reverend Canon Philip Lambert, Canon Missioner at Truro Cathedral.

During a short service, Canon Lambert blessed the bell and the ships company and wished them well as they move on to continue their careers in other ships and shore establishments.

HMS Cornwall was decommissioned this year as one of the outcomes of the strategic defence and security review, along with her sister ships Chatham, Cumberland and Campbeltown.

The ship's company cemented their links with their affiliated county when they took part in a freedom of the county of Cornwall parade in Truro in July, when accompanied by the Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth, they marched through Truro with bayonets fixed for the final time.

The guest of honour was the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Lady Mary Holborow DCVO JP, who inspected the guard and band and addressed the assembled VIPs, ship's company and their families.

A service of thanksgiving was then held at Truro Cathedral, led by the canon precentor of Truro Cathedral, the reverend canon Perran Gay. The chairman of Cornwall Council, councillor Pat Harvey, then invited the ship’s company and their guests to a civic reception at County Hall.

As well as the presentation of the ship's bell to Truro Cathedral, the ship’s ceremonial perry buoy, a signed photo of the ship and the WO and CPO's mess door plaque were presented to Chris Jackson, Truro Royal British Legion branch chairman.