Reunion for HMS Sheffield survivors

Survivors of HMS Sheffield, the first British warship to be lost in the Falklands war, are set for a 25 year reunion.

When the Type 42 Destroyer was damaged by an Argentinian Exocet missile on May 4, 1982 the attack caused the first major British loss of life in the Falklands War and was the first British warship to be lost since the Second World War.

It came after the first RAF bombing raids on occupied Port Stanley's airfield and the controversial sinking of the Argentinian cruiser the Belgrano, two days before.

The ship was engulfed by fire as 20 men were killed, with another 26 suffering blast and burn injuries.

Efforts were made to control the flames, but when they failed the order was given to abandon ship. It continued to burn fiercely for another two days and when a salvage attempt failed the ship eventually sank.

On Friday more than 70 of those who were on board, along with family and friends, are expected to travel to Sheffield ahead of a commemorative weekend.

After a private social evening on Saturday, Sunday will see a parade of veterans through the city followed by a service at Sheffield Cathedral.