THE GENERAL public will have the chance to see inside a nuclear submarine during two dockyard open days.

 

Devonport naval base will throw open its doors this Sunday from 10am to 5pm and on May 26 during the same hours.

 

Commodore Graeme Little, the commanding officer of the base, has agreed to the base being opened to the public in support of Plymouth’s History Festival.

 

The days are being run by Friend and Volunteers of Devonport Naval Heritage Centre.

 

As well as having a tour of a decommissioned submarine, HMS Courageous, the public can also visit the model ship gallery, take a look at the ships figureheads, visit the police museum, look around Gilroy House (the former home of the senior police officer) and enjoy fascinating talks throughout the day.

 

One of the talks will be given by Peter Holt form the SHIPS (Shipwrecks and History In Plymouth Sound) project.

 

Bob Cook, from the naval museum, said: “Everyone is welcome to come along. HMS Courageous is set out for visitors but you have to be fit enough to go in and out of the tubes, like going down a manhole, so as long as you don’t have a heart condition, vertico, claustrophobia or are heavily pregnant, you’re more than welcome – but wear trousers.

 

“We will have a formal opening by the Lord Mayor and we are hoping the commodore will come along too.”

 

A programme of events will be available on both days to boost museum funds.

 

Anyone going should head to the Naval Base Heritage Museum off Granby Way (postcode PL1 4HG). Car parking is available.

 

For more details contact 01752 554200