A Barrow-built Astute-class submarine has officially been named in a ceremony at BAE Systems’ site in the town.

In line with tradition, 'Anson' was blessed by The Venerable Martyn Gough QHC, chaplain of the fleet and archdeacon for the Royal Navy.

The submarine was then christened with a bottle of cider being smashed against her hull.

The 97-metre long, 7,400-tonne submarine is due to be launched into the water in Barrow early next year ahead of leaving for sea trials in 2022.

More than 1,700 people work on the Astute programme, which is delivering seven attack submarines to the Royal Navy.

Earlier this year, HMS Audacious, the fourth boat in the class, left Barrow for her operational base at Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde in Faslane.

Work is also well under way in Barrow on Astute boats six and seven, as well as the first two boats in the Dreadnought class, which is the next generation of nuclear deterrent submarines.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, work on both Astute and Dreadnought has continued throughout this year, with major changes being implemented across its Barrow and satellite sites to enable employees to work safely and adhere to social distancing.

It is for that reason that only a handful of people were able to witness the naming ceremony.

Cliff Robson, managing director of BAE Systems’ submarines business, said: "The naming of Anson is a significant step towards her joining the other four Astute class submarines already in service with the Royal Navy.

“Throughout this year, we’ve adapted the business to keep our people safe while allowing them to continue the important role of delivering critical capability to our customer.

“Reaching this important milestone is testament to the dedicated work of our workforce, our Royal Navy partners and the Submarine Delivery Agency."