Tall ships' veterans crew dock in city port

Two tall ships crewed by "wounded, injured and sick" veterans have arrived at Liverpool's Half Canning Dock for a weekend stay.

One of them, the Spirit of Falmouth was formerly named Spirit of Merseyside and was built by unemployed people in Liverpool 41 years ago.

The ships are sailing 2,000 miles around the UK in the Full Circle expedition transporting the Invictus Games flag to 23 ports, a year ahead of the games in Birmingham next year.

The Pellow and Spirit of Falmouth started in Falmouth, Cornwall, before docking in Kent and Hull before sailing around Scotland. The trip ends back in Cornwall.

The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, are for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) military service personnel.

Sally Terry, CEO of sailing charity Turn to Starboard said: "More than a voyage, this expedition is a powerful story of courage, service and renewal, showing how adventure and the sea can heal, inspire and bring people together.

"We can't wait to bring this inspiring message to Liverpool to reach more veterans and highlight their challenges and remarkable achievements."

Army veteran Paul Miller, who is skipper of Spirit of Falmouth, said: "Being part of this expedition fills me with real pride.

"It has reminded me how far I've come in my own recovery and how much further we can all go together. "

Captain Lee Hazard, director of Special Projects at the Invictus Games, said the veterans on the ships were "remarkable" and they had used their "military skills to sail with purpose and skill".

He added: "Full Circle shows that recovery doesn't only happen on the field of play - it happens through challenge, connection and community."

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