A senior officer from Ilkley has taken command of a 5,000-tonne Royal Navy warship.

Royal Navy Commander Tim Neild is now in charge of the HMS Argyll and says his new role is the pinnacle of his career.

“After 21 exciting and fulfilling years in the Royal Navy, it is a true privilege to be selected to command such a highly capable warship,” the 40-year-old said. “Argyll is an agile warship with a breadth of capability – able to conduct the full gamut of operations from humanitarian assistance to high-end war fighting. I am really looking forward to the challenges which lie ahead.”

Cdr Neild joined the Navy in 1991. During his 21-year career he has served on a number of warships on operations worldwide.

Now living in Hampshire, he was educated at Ilkley Grammar School and his wife Claire is also from the town.

He regularly returns to Ilkley to visit his parents, while his brother Michael still lives in the area.