Royal Navy: HMS Biter and HMS Pursuer visit Isle of Man

Both patrol vessels are commanded by a Royal Navy lieutenant who is responsible for 51 undergraduates

Two of the Royal Navy's P2000 patrol vessels will berth in Peel harbour in the Isle of Man later.

HMS Biter, the Universities Royal Naval Unit (URNU) ship for Manchester and Salford, will arrive on Thursday.

The arrival will be followed by its sister ship HMS Pursuer, the Glasgow universities' craft.

Both ships will host a number of different youth groups, schools, colleges and dignitaries during their time in the Isle of Man.

Commanding Officer of HMS Biter Lt Cdr Louis Gardner said: "We are delighted to be able to bring both Biter and Pursuer to the Isle of Man.

"The islanders have a great affinity with the Royal Navy and we are always shown great support when we visit."

There are currently 14 URNUs supporting universities in England, Wales and Scotland.

Each is commanded by a Royal Navy lieutenant who is responsible for 51 undergraduates, who each join while completing their university course.

HMS Pursuer's Commanding Officer, Lt Gary Bickley said: "We are looking forward to showing schools and youth groups around the two ships and hoping that they will enjoy the experience of learning more about the Royal Navy and protecting our nation's interests."

Source: BBC, UK.