HMS SOUTHAMPTON is to continue carrying uranium-tipped shells for the next two years, despite fears they could cause cancer.

The American navy has banned the ammunition, used for the Phalanx anti-missile system, from its ships.

It started phasing out stocks a decade ago, in favour of more expensive tungsten-tipped rounds, which are not radioactive and far less toxic.

A document from the surgeon-general's office of the US army, leaked to a national paper, warned that military personnel exposed to dust from depleted uranium ammunition risked developing lung and bone cancer.

It is thought the British Navy has been aware of the possible safety risks from the shells for the past ten years.

A Gulf War document is said to have warned firefighters tackling an exploded depleted uranium (DU) store to wear full nuclear, chemical and biological protective clothing.

But the Royal Navy insists there is no risk to personnel.

A spokeswoman told the Daily Echo use of the uranium-tipped shells - including those on HMS Southampton - would be phased out by 2003 when stock had run dry.

Yesterday, the city's Type 42 destroyer left Portsmouth for three weeks' training in rough Atlantic winter seas with the controversial weaponry on board.

"HMS Southampton still has stocks of DU tipped rounds which will be replaced in the fullness of time because they are no longer being manufactured. It's not a panic safety measure," the spokeswoman said.

"But we have decided tungsten is better."

Royal Navy warships carrying the shells include Type 42 destroyers, helicopter carrier HMS Ocean and amphibious assault ship HMS Fearless.