WARSHIP HMS Illustrious arrived in Greenwich this afternoon for a brief visit to the borough.

The aircraft carrier is visiting London to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic - the Second World War's longest military campaign.

And visitors will be able to tour the ship this weekend with open days on May 11 and May 12 from 10am to 2pm.

Spaces are limited and not everyone who queues will be able to board, organisers warn.

The 22,000 tonne vessel will be moored at Greenwich Pier until May 13.

Captain Martin Connell, the commanding officer of HMS Illustrious, said: “We are delighted to be in London for the Battle of the Atlantic commemorations.
"HMS Illustrious has a very close affiliation with the City which we will be aiming to strengthen further through a very busy programme of events.

“It is, however, a very poignant occasion and we look forward to welcoming onboard some of those who served through the longest and one of the most costly campaigns of the Second
World War.”

BBC's The One Show will also broadcast live from the ship tomorrow (May 9) at 7pm.