The UK Royal Navy has deployed guided-missile frigate HMS Northumberland on a seven-and-a-half-month tour to the Middle East.

The deployment is part of a multinational effort to disrupt terrorism and organised crime in the region.

During the mission, the Devonport-based warship will operate in the harsh and uncomfortable environment of the Middle Eastern waters around the Gulf of Aden and Oman.

The 133m-long and 16.1m-wide Type-23 Duke Class frigate has a displacement of 4,900t and accommodation for 185.