The traditional Christmas pudding stir has taken place at HMS Raleigh to start the preparations for the festive season.

Captain Ellie Ablett, the Commanding Officer of the base, and the youngest sailor, Recruit Oliver Rance, 16, were invited to stir the mix by ESS, the company that provides catering services at the establishment.

Capt Ablett said: ’Traditions underpin the Naval core values that we aim to instil here at HMS Raleigh and having members of the ship’s company involved in traditions, like stirring the pudding, fosters camaraderie, particularly when we are deployed in difficult circumstances and away from home.

’On Christmas Day at sea the Captain and the officers serve dinner to the ship’s company and we’ll be maintaining that custom here too. It’s a great opportunity to thank people for their hard work.’

The pudding mix currently contains currants, raisins, sultanas, chopped glacier cherries and mixed peel, together with a dash of rum. Other ingredients, such as suet and flour, will be added over the coming weeks. The pudding will be served at part of the Christmas dinner for 600 on December 13.