The aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, the Royal Navy's Fleet Flagship, will make a four day call at the docks later this month.

Illustrious, the second of three Invincible class aircraft carriers and the fifth ship to bear the name, will arrive on February 23 for four days to allow her ship's company a period of rest and recreation during her Flag Officer Sea Training exercises off the south coast. She is expected to berth on the Queen's Wharf.

Illustrious, or "Lusty" as she is fondly know to her crew, was built at Swan Hunter on the Tyne and subsequently commissioned in her base port of Portsmouth in 1982.

After spearheading the UK's humanitarian contribution to provide assistance with the evacuation of British Nationals and other civilians caught up in the recent fighting in Lebanon, Illustrious has recently returned to Portsmouth.

This will be the first time an aircraft carrier has berthed at the docks.