Royal Navy sailors skipped festive celebrations to shadow a Russian vessel through the English Channel on Christmas Day.
Patrol ship HMS Tyne followed the training ship as it passed close to UK territorial waters.
The ship returned to Portsmouth today (Boxing Day) as the Smolnyy Perekov continued on its way.
One of the lookouts was even spotted wearing a Santa hat.
Commander Jon Browett, HMS Tyne’s commanding officer, said: “Leaving our families at this time of year is especially difficult, but national security doesn’t stop for Christmas and as one of the duty units over the festive period we had bags packed and were ready to go.
“We had members of the ship’s company returning at short notice from all over the country and, hard as it is for those left at home, we are committed to keeping Britain safe all year round.
Global News 
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