80 officers and crew members of the Royal Navy’s HMS Triumph were given a warm welcome at a reception hosted by the Mayor of Blackpool, Cllr Kath Rowson.

The Plymouth-based crew have enjoyed a close relationship with the town since the official ‘adoption’ of the submarine by Blackpool.

Their invitation to attend the reception at the Town Hall took place in the same week the crew are spending a week in the town as Triumph is refitted following a lengthy tour of duty.

The event also celebrated the success of a team from the submarine who valiantly cycled 400 miles to raise over £2,000 for Brian House Children’s Hospice.

Accompanied by Mayoress Joan Goldin, the Mayor presented the Captain of the Triumph, Commander David Filtness with a Progress civic badge and the Cdr returned the gesture by handing over a Royal Navy submariner badge and a framed photograph of HMS Triumph.

The Mayor, said: “It was wonderful to welcome the company of HMS Triumph to the Town Hall. It is a very special relationship that we have with the crew.

“I am also delighted by the kind and generous contributions that they are making to local charities and organisations such as Brian House Hospice. A really wonderful friendship has been built.”

Members of the crew will be enjoying their stay in Blackpool but will also be volunteering two days of their time at Brian House to undertake work around the facility.



Cdr Filtness, said: “HMS Triumph is proud to be affiliated with Blackpool. We enjoy particularly close ties to the town and it is a privilege to get to know the people and the place so much better.”