HMS Scylla was taken out of service in 1993

The former Royal Navy frigate, which weighs 2,500 tonnes, will be scuttled in Whitsand Bay near Plymouth on Saturday using a series of explosions.

Thousands of people are expected to line nearby cliffs to watch as HMS Scylla takes a few minutes to sink.

It is estimated the new tourist attraction will generate an extra �1m a year for the local economy.

A one-kilometre exclusion zone is being set up around the vessel as explosives will blow holes in the vessel's sides.

Final journey

Biologists say the vessel, which was bought by the National Marine Aquarium, will be colonised by sea creatures.

Sinking ship: HMS Scylla facts Last warship from Devonport Dockyard Built in 1968, commissioned in 1970 Weighs 2,500-tonnes, 113-metres long Princes Andrew and Edward visited in 1973 The Cruel Sea author Nicholas Monserrat's ashes were cast from it Decommissioned in 1993 - never went to war

The sinking is currently scheduled to take place between 1400 and 1500 GMT on Saturday, but it could be delayed while last-minute preparations are carried out.

Police say they are not anticipating any significant traffic problems despite the expected crowds.

A number of farmers' fields have been made available for car parking.

A park and ride scheme will also be running from Tregantle car park.

Police are warning drivers not to park on the military road at Whitsand Bay or risk having their vehicles towed away.

Scylla will begin her final journey from Devonport Dockyard at 0730 GMT and is expected to be in position at Whitsand Bay at 1100 GMT.

Scylla was the last Royal Navy frigate to be built at Devonport Dockyard and was taken out of active service in 1993.

Once she is on the seabed, there are plans to attach web cameras to the 2,500-tonne vessel.