HMS Kent is visiting Dover after a £24million refit

Crew members from HMS Kent will take part in a parade today to honour airmen who took part in the Second World War Channel Dash operation.

The Royal Navy frigate is making a four-day visit to Dover after arriving in the county yesterday after undergoing a £24million refit.

The 133-metre ship is at the Prince of Wales Pier and will be at the port until Monday afternoon.

It is open to the public from 9.30am to noon and 3pm to 5pm today, with the chance to view some of the equipment aboard a modern warship and to talk to the crew about their experiences.

From 1pm, the crew will form a guard of honour as part of the parade to mark the unveiling of the Operation Fuller - or Channel Dash - Second World War memorial on Dover seafront at 2pm.

On Sunday, some of the ship's company will visit Demelza House, in Sittingbourne, while the ship hosts visits by various groups and youth organisations.

There will be more group visits on Monday before the ship leaves at 3pm.

"I am delighted to be bringing HMS Kent back to her home county," said Commander Ben Ripley.

"We always receive a great welcome and fantastic hospitality when we visit Kent and I thoroughly look forward to further strengthening our treasured links with the county."