SAILORS on board HMS York have been buoyed by hundreds of messages of support from the city of York.

The Royal Navy destroyer has already evacuated 500 people from troubled Beirut, delivering them to safety in Cyprus.

Commander Tim Cryar spoke to The Press from on board HMS York in waters off Lebanon.

He praised his sailors - and thanked the city for helping to keep their morale up.

He said: "What we are doing is incredibly rewarding. The response from the ship's company has been fantastic.

"Morale has been very high, as we have had the chance to help tired and distressed people.

"I'm very proud of all of them. There is no way we could do this without their good work and the support from their families back home, who have had to put up with this sudden change in our tasking.

"To a man and woman, everyone on board has reactedreally well."

HMS York has close links with the city. The ship has even been granted the Freedom of the City, allowing the ship's company to march through York with colours flying and swords drawn.

HMS York was tasked to Lebanon soon after the conflict broke out, and completed two evacuations on Wednesday and Thursday.

Cdr Cryar said: "I have lost count of the number of evacuees who have come up to meand shaken my hand.

Tiredness is the most common feeling among them.

"Most of them haven't slept for quite a few nights.

Many are obviously stressed at having to leave their family, friends and homes - but when they get on board it is safe, they are reassured by the presence of our sailors, and at that point the tiredness kicks in.

"We have been receiving many messages of support from people in York and we really do appreciate that.

"It is good to know that people are looking out for us."

Lieutenant Commander Simon Day - HMS York's marine engineer officer - said messages of support can be sent to the ship through the post. Envelopes should be addressed to individual crew members, or simply "A Sailor", followed by the address: "HMS York, BFPO 430".

Cdr Cryar said the ship would continue evacuations as long as the British ambassador in Lebanon required it.

He said: "It is very much a case of taking each day as it comes."

Meanwhile, stranded North Yorkshire chef Camille Chehab was due to arrive back home today. Camille boarded a flight in Cyprus yesterday, and was due to land in Manchester last night.