A CLYDE-built warship is returning to Glasgow to welcome visitors on board.

HMS Defender, one of six Type 45 destroyers to be constructed at the Scotstoun and Govan yards, is due at the city's King George V dock tomorrow.

Although twinned with Glasgow this will be Defender's first official visit to the city since her launch in September, 2009 when more than 10,000 wellwishers crowded into the BAE Systems shipyard at Govan to watch her slide into the Clyde.

The launch was also relayed to a giant video screen outside the Transport Museum.

Sister ships Daring, Dauntless, Diamond and Dragon, had entered service in 2006, with HMS Duncan completing the fleet the following year.

Defender was the fifth of the £1billion fleet which is among the deadliest in the world, with sophisticated radar, tracking and missile systems. She will be in Glasgow until Sunday.

And, as a mark of respect, the warship crew will salute the men and women who built and fitted her out by sounding the ship's horn as they pass the Scotstoun yard.

Navy chiefs are aware that the people of Glasgow have a real affection for Clyde-built warships and as a result the public will be welcomed to climb aboard and tour Defender throughout Saturday.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk