A 19th century English church bell is to start a 3,000 mile sea voyage from Plymouth to a Caribbean island.

The Royal Navy warship HMS Monmouth is to transport the bell from its base to the island of Trinidad.

From there the bell will be taken to Plymouth, Tobago to be installed in the Anglican church of St Francis Bon Accord.

The Tobago church congregation asked retired Plymouth-based vicar and former island resident Rev Peter Willis for the new bell.

Rev Willis said: 'I am thrilled the Navy has agreed to help. It means a lot to us all and underlines the strong linkes between the two countries.'

The 26 inch high copper and tin bell was salvaged from the tower of St Boniface Church, Plymouth, before the building was demolished.

HMS Monmouth is to take part in humanitarian and counter drugs operations as part of the Atlantic Patrol Task Group.

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