'I can't thank them enough': Kind-hearted HMS Sultan sailors restore church and school grounds - pictures

Supportive Royal Navy trainees have been getting their hands dirty and supporting various community projects.

Personnel did various maintenance and restoration work during their annual INSET Day. trainees from the Marine Engineering Training Group and the Royal Naval Air Engineering and Survival Equipment School broke into teams to tackle improvement projects at 16 locations across the region.

Sites supported included the 5th, 6th and 9th Gosport Scout Groups, the Gangshow at Phoenix Hall in Bridgemary, Freedom Church Elson, St Matthews Church, the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) Club, the Royal Navy Benevolent Trust Jellicoe House, HEDCA, and several local retirement homes.

David Ashby, part of the maintenance team at Freedom Church, said: "We're overjoyed with the support HMS Sultan has provided. The church has a cycle of maintenance which is a huge task, and in one morning the trainees have achieved what would have taken us weeks. They've made a significant contribution, including to improving the children's play area, which is also used by the local community."

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School improvement projects also formed a significant part of the day, with teams deployed to Alver Valley School, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Brockhurst Primary School, Peel Common School, King's Academy Gomer, and Haselworth Primary School. Tasks carried out across the sites included gardening, exterior staining, fence and bench preservation, interior painting, pressure washing, weed clearance, bush clearance, deep cleaning, and general maintenance and refurbishment work.

Luke Spence, site manager at Alver Valley Schools, said: "What we're doing today, with the help of the Navy trainees, is clearing a fenced-off forest area that's become very overcrowded. We're trying to create a pathway through it because we have a forestry school and we want to encourage our kids to get out into the woods, play, and learn about the environment. The teamwork they've got going on is absolutely brilliant, getting so much done in such a short period of time. I can't thank them enough."

HMS Sultan Base Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer 1 Marty Wallace, added: "The annual INSET Day is a fantastic opportunity to contribute positively to our local community. HMS Sultan has been part of Gosport for 70 years and projects like these strengthen our bonds and demonstrate our commitment to being good neighbours. What everyone has achieved in just one morning promotes the best of the Royal Navy, and everyone should feel proud."