The mayor got on board a ship named after St Albans last week.

St Albans’ Mayor Rosemary Farmer sampled life on board HMS St Albans, even firing one of the ship’s guns.

Cllr Farmer joined the Royal Navy frigate by boat transfer from Portsmouth and was taken on a sail.

Experiencing a day in the life of a sailor, she engaged in a range of activities to witness the capability of the type 23 warship.

The mayor visited the operation room, its command and control centre, and talked to the crew.

She also put on a combat helmet to fire live ammunition from a machine gun.

Cllr Farmer said: “I was a bit too short to get in the correct position. It wasn’t an easy thing to do and I realise the high skill levels of the individuals on board.

“This was a fascinating tour which offered me and the other guests an insight into the lives of the men and women from the Royal Navy who guard and protect our nation. I was greatly impressed with what I witnessed and with all the officers and crew that I talked to.

“Luckily, I didn’t have to put up with heaving waves and challenging weather conditions. The solent [sea] was like a millpond and the sky remained blue throughout my stay.”

The highlight of her trip on Thursday, March 28 was presenting a general service medal to leading regulator Everatt.

“It was a great honour to present an operational medal to one of the crew. That is something I will remember for the rest of my life,” she said.

“Over many years now, St Albans has built up a great relationship with HMS St Albans and I’m hoping my visit will further cement those ties.”

John Cromie, commanding officer of HMS St Albans said: “It is always a privilege to have our affiliates on board.

“It was a truly enjoyable day and such a pleasure to be able to embark our affiliated city’s mayor.

“Our links with Saint Albans are so important to us and it was great for representatives of the community to come on board and see for themselves what it is to be part of HMS St Albans’ wider family.”

The annual mayor’s ball, held at Sopwell House Hotel last month, has raised more than £3,500 for her nominated charity, Mind.