The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth arrived at Belfast Harbour this morning for a four-day visit. The ship is one of the UK's two aircraft carriers and measures 284 metres long.

Belfast Harbour commercial executive Gary Hall said the visit is unique. The last aircraft carrier to dock in Belfast did so in 1965. He said the harbour regularly receives calls from Royal Navy and NATO vessels, but nothing of this size.

A Royal Navy source said the security situation during the Troubles was likely a factor in the long gap between visits. Belfast is one of the few UK deep water ports that can accommodate the vessel.

Around 750 members of the ship's company will visit the city during the stay. The ship will be restocked with supplies while in port.

Hall said the visit is a testament to Belfast and a special occasion for the city. He added that during the cruise season, Belfast caters to some of the world's largest ships, and now it is welcoming one of the world's largest naval ships.

The vessel recently underwent a refit and currently has no aircraft aboard.