HMS Liverpool returns home for the final time (VIDEO/GALLERY)

Mar 1 2012 by John Sutton, Liverpool Echo

A WARSHIP that played a key role in the downfall of Colonel Gaddafi sailed into the city for her final visit.

HMS Liverpool is to be decommissioned at the end of March after more than 30 years at sea.

Ordered to the Mediterranean last spring she played a pivotal role in assisting Libyan rebels battle pro-Gaddaafi troops.

The Type 42 Destroyer was built at Birkenhead shipyard Cammell Laird and has enjoyed a long and close association with Liverpool.

Yesterday as a crowd stood at the Pier Head and the town crier hailed the crew on their arrival, Lord Mayor Councillor Frank Prendergast, who had been on the ship since she left Glasgow on Monday, was the first on to the gangway to begin preparations for the ship’s five-day visit.

Able Seaman Robert “Cass” Clay, from Crosby, was met by his parents and spoke of his pride at sailing up the Mersey.

The 20-year-old said: “It felt amazing coming up the River Mersey, it’s one of the best things I’ve seen in my career.”

Steve Hughes, 58, from Litherland, also made the journey from Glasgow. The plater welder was part of the team that built the ship.

He said: “It’s a nostalgic thing to be part of, I was there at the beginning and I’m here at the end, being on board has been a fantastic experience.”