MANCHESTER'S warship has arrived `home'.

HMS Manchester, a Type-42 destroyer, is berthed in Liverpool this weekend - the nearest place the 5,200-tonne ship can dock to its affiliated city.

The Royal Navy vessel will open to the public today to help strengthen links with her home city.

HMS Manchester Commander Paul Beattie said: "The support that the city of Manchester and her people have given to the ship, since her launch in 1980, has been unwavering and we are extremely grateful. We always look forward to visits to our home town.

"The people of Manchester can be proud of their ship and the role she performs worldwide, and we would love to see as many people as possible join us to discover more about life on board." Tomorrow members of the 250-strong crew will attend a special service at Manchester Cathedral followed by a civic reception.

The ship is preparing to deploy to the South Atlantic next year.

HMS Manchester will be open to the public today from 1pm to 5.30pm, at the cruiseliner terminal, next to the Liver Building.