A SHIP’S bell that was rescued from HMS York when it was scuttled during the Second World War was used to baptise the daughter of a Royal Navy engineer.

It was only the third time in history that the bell had been used as a Christening bowl, the honour being reserved for the children of members of staff at York Sea Cadets.

Charles Gomersall, who has been involved with the group since the age of ten, said he was “over the moon” to see his three-month-old daughter, Daisy, christened in the bell.

Charles, 29, who is the leading engineering technician on HMS Daring, said: “It was a really special occasion. I can’t really describe how much it meant to me to have her christened in the bell.

“Since I was ten years old I wanted to join the Navy and there’s nothing else I’d rather do.”

Charles said his fiancée, Michelle Hetherington, went into labour five weeks early while he was on a ship off the coast of Guernsey and he did not quite make it home in time for the birth. The christening took place at the York Sea Cadets’ base in Skeldergate, where Charles still helps out at weekends and when he is on leave.

The bell came from HMS York was launched in 1928, but was deliberately sunk in 1941 after it was damaged.