HMS Daring leaves Guernsey for Portsmouth. Captain and crew are keen to return to the island to which the destroyer is affiliated soon – probably in May. (Picture by Zoe Ash, 0711114)

HMS DARING cannot wait to get back in local waters and give islanders the chance to have a look around.

The crew of the warship, which is affiliated to Guernsey, is keen to build a relationship with the island, starting as soon as possible.

‘It was a shame we couldn’t have stayed for longer this time, but we are hoping to get back before summer,’ said Daring’s commanding officer, Captain Paul Bennett.

‘We would like to get some people on board then and see why they should be proud of such a fine ship.’

They could not be more delighted that the destroyer has been affiliated to Guernsey. ‘I hope that Guernsey people will feel that they own a little bit of the Daring.’

As from Monday the ship will undergo intensive sea trials but, hopefully, will return in May.