Everything's shipshape as the Princess Royal drops in

Princess Anne commisions HMS Ceres at Carlton Barracks, a new base for the Royal Navy, in Leeds. Picture Scott Merrylees

A NEW naval base in Leeds has been given the royal seal of approval.

The Princess Royal officially opened the new Royal Naval Reserves home at Carlton Barracks in the city.

Princess Anne commissioned HMS Ceres in front of civic dignitaries, government officials and the sailors who look set to become part of HMS Ceres’ ship’s company.

Also on parade were the Royal Marines Band from Plymouth and a Royal Guard who was inspected by HRH before the official address and unveiling of the plaque.

HMS Ceres is the first Royal Navy shore establishment to be commissioned since 1994.

Leeds has a big affiliation to the Royal Navy with its links to the former HMS Ark Royal.

HMS Ceres has been revamped to include a new two-storey wing and accommodation block. It also has new training and classroom facilities.

The 70-year-old base has existed in various forms and used to be a satellite unit of HMS Calliope on Tyneside.

A spokesman for the Royal Naval Reserve said: “The Royal Naval Reserve is a part-time force of 2,300 trained men and women who are deployed with the Royal Navy in times of tension, humanitarian crisis, or conflict. They may be civilian but Reservists wear the same uniform and do much of the same training as the Regulars.”