The UK’s only nuclear-powered museum submarine has a bright new future after a ceremonial re-launch in Plymouth Naval Base.

Former head of the Royal Navy Admiral Sir Jonathon Band (retired) cut the ribbon to the face-lifted Cold War submarine to herald the next milestone in its thriving career as a tourist attraction and a newly-announced part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy’s (NMRN) heritage collection.

Courageous has been open 14 years and attracted 300,000 visitors having been transformed by volunteers from a retired shell to a fascinating museum and tribute to Royal Navy submariners.

The main driving force behind this unusual attraction is former Courageous serving sailor Michael Pitkeathly. His achievement was marked by a new submarine museum building next to Courageous being named after him and unveiled as the submarine was opened.

Tours of Courageous can be booked by calling 01752 552 326.