In Pictures: HMS Cardiff

HMS Cardiff has been docked in the Welsh capital since Thursday and has had more than 6,000 visitors on board.

On Monday, as crew prepared to set sail for a trip to Zeebrugge, Belgium, pupils from four schools were invited on board for a guided tour of the ship.

As part of a recruitment and awareness drive, youngsters from Newport, Bridgend and Cardiff were shown around the vessel.

The pupils were able to see the missiles and weapons on board as well as being shown the living quarters.

They were also able to ask questions about the lifestyle of the crew and what it was like to be in the navy.

The crew of the 125 metre long destroyer, which weighs 3,500 tonnes, were the first UK Royal Navy personnel to be sent to the Gulf ahead of the Iraq conflict.

Diving Officer Mike Samways has been in the navy for five years

About 260 sailors spent seven-months working in the conflict zone returning to the UK three months ago.

Diving officer, Mike Samways, 23, from Taunton, has spent five years in the services.

"I really enjoy my work, it is really exciting," he said.

"Letting the school kids see what we do isn't just about getting them to join up it is about showing them what sort of things we actually do.

"We are away for long periods of time, but it is good and we all know what we are letting ourselves into when we sign on the dotted line.

"When we were out in the Gulf we seized �6.5m of oil that was being illegally smuggled and we boarded 90 vessels.

In the navy Cardiff is regarded as a really good place to come to Diving Officer Mike Samways

"We spent a long time out there and we were working six hours on, six hours off.

"But it was good. It was really challenging and rewarding.

"We are a very heavily armed ship and were the first UK ship there," he said.

Mr Samways, who joined the navy after leaving school, said that the crew always enjoyed coming to Cardiff.

"We always get a really good welcome, and in the navy Cardiff is regarded as a really good place to come to.

"It has got a really good social life and there are so many places to visit which are nearby like the Brecon Beacons," he added.