SPED on her way by a rousing cheer from her crew, HMS Severn, Newport's twinned ship, yesterday joined the Fleet.

But, in the best tradition of the Senior Service which favours audacity and an attacking spirit, Severn had already cheekily poked her bows into the biggest show organised by the Royal Navy since before the First World War.

Under the approving eyes of the Queen, the Severn, a 1,700 tonne patrol vessel, sailed proudly past the mighty aircraft carrier HMS Ocean during a review of 20 vessels of the Royal Navy to mark the granting of a new Colour to the Fleet and the 415st anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

Severn's debut was captured in full colour on the front of the broadsheet press.

Sailing into the limelight for the second time in one week, Severn was officially commissioned by Felicity Guild, the wife of Rear Admiral Nigel Guild, Controller of the Navy.

Admiral Sir Jonathan Band, the Fleet's Commander-in-Chief, the mayor of Newport, Councillor Ray Truman, and the mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Tom Blair, led civic representatives.

In a short speech Councillor Truman said the twinning of Newport with a ship of the Royal Navy was particularly appropriate given the city's long and distinguished maritime history.

"We wish HMS Severn well and we shall be particularly pleased to welcome her to Newport in September," he added.

The fisheries protection and patrol vessel is the ninth to carry the name Severn since 1695. She has a crew of 43 and a range of 6,000 miles.

With one 20 mm gun and supporting small arms she is configured to assist Customs and Excise and also take part in homeland defence.

A Newport city spokesman said the Severn's visit to her twinned port was planned for September 23.

"Besides being affiliated to Newport itself she has links with schools and organisations in the town, including Bassaleg School, St Michael's School in Pill, Newport Sea Cadets and 104 Regiment, Royal Artillery."

Before sailing his new command out to join the Fleet her commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Darren Cartwright, said: "It is an honour for myself and the ship's company to be affiliated with the city of Newport which has such strong maritime links.

"We will help keep the Royal Navy very much in the eye of the people of her adopted city, especially the young."

* In the picture: HMS Severn is launched.