CREWS battled it out in a test of strength and determination at a Hampshire naval base.

Two field gun teams from HMS Collingwood competed for the 12-Pounder Cup at the Fareham establishment yesterday as a precursor to the base’s annual open day event on Saturday, which will feature thehotly-contested Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity Field Gun Competition. This is where 18-man teams aim to run, dismantle, reassemble and fire the gun in the shortest possible time.

Twenty crews will compete for the Brickwoods Trophy at the open day, which will also include the chance to have a go onthe facility’s bridge simulator, to see first hand some of the training equipment, displays from the Royal Navy Raiders parachute display team and the Royal Marines Band Collingwood.

Petty Officer Physical Trainer Jamie Stickley, No1 Trainer for the Collingwood A Crew said: “It’s an advantage for everyone to show off in front of their friends and family, and we can’t wait until Saturday.”

Tickets are available from the tourist information offices or on the gate.

Alternatively, log on to royalnavy.mod.uk/CollingwoodOpenday.