A CAMPAIGN to bring a Barrow-built aircraft carrier back to Britain and transform it into a community hub has begun.

HMS Hermes was laid down in 1944 and was in service with the Royal Navy between 1959 to 1984, serving as the flagship during the Falklands War in 1982. She was sold to the Indian Navy in 1987 and renamed INS Viraat .

Retired in March, after a 58-year career, speculation grew about the future of the vessel and calls were made to transform the carrier with some suggesting it should become a floating naval museum, or a hotel.

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But now, Falklands War veteran and former crew member, Andy Trish has set up a Crowdfunder page in the hope he can have the vessel returned to the UK and used as a commonwealth museum.

The businessman believes the ship can be used as a 'showpiece' for the UK and has so far raised £9,303 of the £100,000 target from 272 supporters.

Support for the project has flooded in so far and one project backer commented: "A great project, a great piece of history she can be and should be saved!

"She can tell future generations so much about our past, to help the forge a better future! Good Luck!"

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Mr Trish is hoping he can "continue the life of HMS Hermes /INS Viraat in a way that inspires future generations and bestows pride in those who served in her."

He is asking people to back the campaign by donating sums of money which will help repatriate the ship and assist with any additional costs incurred.

If all goes to plan, HMS Hermes could offer employment to ex-service personnel as well as offering sea cadets a training centre packed with facilities.

As the vessel is the last of its class, many believe it can serve as a powerful educational tool for future generations as well as provide tourists with an authentic and unique experience.

Should the bid prove unsuccessful, backers can opt for a refund or have their bid donated to a Falkland Islands related cause.

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The history of HMS Hermes

Laid down in 1944 in Barrow, HMS Hermes did not enter the Royal Navy until 1959.

When commissioned she was equipped with an angled flight deck, the latest radar and mirror landing system.

After the navy phased out its fast jets the vessel was refitted in the late 1970s as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter carrier and equipped with a ski-jump to operate Sea Harriers.

She was the flagship in the Falklands Task Force, despite being much older than HMS Invincible and being earmarked for decommission.

She was sold to India in 1987 and became the INS Viraat – which translates to “giant”.

In July 2016, the Indian Navy posted pictures of her final journey from Mumbai to Kochi, where she faced being scrapped.

The vessel's future

CALLS had been made for the aircraft carrier to be turned into a floating naval museum after decommissioning, much like the USA’s five preserved carriers: USS Intrepid , USS Midway , USS Yorktown , USS Hornet and USS Lexington .

After her final journey down the western coast of India, the ship's ensign was lowered for the last time in March.

Speaking about her retirement, Commodore Srikant Kesnur, a serving naval officer, said: "When the naval ensign is lowered for one last time on her she will slowly fade away and mark the end of an era. But she will live forever in our memories."