BARROVIANS were beaming with pride today when the latest boat to be built in the town was named.

The second Astute class submarine, Ambush, was formally named in front of more than 2,000 people.

BAE Systems staff and guests gathered in the giant Devonshire Dock Hall to see sponsor, Lady Anne Soar, wife of Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, name the boat and release the customary bottle of champagne onto the submarine’s bow.

The submarine was then blessed by shipyard Chaplain, the Reverend Sheila Hughes.

John Hudson, BAE submarine solutions managing, said: “Today marks a highly significant milestone for BAE Systems, all of our supply chain and community partners, and especially our Ministry of Defence and Royal Navy colleagues.

"It has taken a huge amount of skill and effort from a large number of people, not only to design and build such a complex vessel but also to get her to the advanced state of completion that we see today.

"All of the hundreds of people from across the submarine enterprise who have contributed can be justifiably proud as Ambush begins the next stage of her commissioning.”

BAE Systems is the lead contractor of the seven-boat Astute programme, the largest and most powerful attack submarines ever ordered by the Royal Navy, each one weighing 7,400 tonnes and packed with unrivalled capabilities.

In November, the Government confirmed it would to proceed with seven Astute Class submarines, all of which will be built in Barrow.

Click on the link below for our Ambush submarine photo gallery.