Sailor's Christmas at sea to be spent wearing '˜outrageous' jumper

Able Seaman Bradley Alderton’s job on the patrol ship HMS Mersey will see him on Operations with his fellow shipmates in the Aegean Sea off the coasts of Greece and Turkey.

“This deployment has been really brilliant,” said Bradley. “There’s a lot to learn but it has all been worthwhile. HMS Mersey’s Ship’s Company are fantastic and make the time away and at sea interesting and very enjoyable.”

Bradley, 21, will miss his family but said he knows the atmosphere on HMS Mersey will extra special and everyone will be celebrating and make it a cheerful and relaxed time.

“It’s going to be my first Christmas away from home in the Royal Navy so it is going to be hard, but my family are very supportive and are amazing at helping me through my time away. It’s going to be exciting and enjoyable. We are all getting into the spirit of the occasion with outrageous jumpers for Christmas day.”

HMS Mersey is a River class patrol ship. Normally she patrols the waters of the UK but is currently deployed as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, the NATO-led operation in the Aegean Sea.

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It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.

There’s recipes, suggestions for presents and everything from choosing your tree to recycling your packaging and paper.

Go to www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk/christmas/