Lusty, as the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious is affectionately known by its crew, will be visiting Malta between today and Friday.

The carrier will be berthed at Pinto Wharf in Grand Harbour and will be open to visitors on Wednesday and Thursday between 1 and 4pm.

A reception in honour of the Earl and Countess of Wessex will be held on board the giant vessel today.

The Illustrious, commanded by Captain Martin Connell, forms part of a UK task response group, headed by Commodore Paddy McAlpine, along with three other ships: HMS Bulwark, RFA Mounts Bay and MV Hartland Point.

The four ships are taking part in a three-month training deployment to the Mediterranean involving more than 3,000 sailors and marines.

While in Grand Harbour, sailors and marines will be helping out at a variety of worthy causes. These will include a clean-up in collaboration with the Nature Trust.

Inter-task group sports will be held with the assistance of Maltese football, rugby and cricket teams in addition to activities at the Valetta Sailing Club.

HMS Illustrious is twinned with the Three Cities – Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua.

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