HMS Belfast leaves the Pool of London

The Pool of London is without HMS Belfast for a month while the Second World War cruiser visits Portsmouth for a refit.

On Friday 4 June HMS Belfast left her permanent mooring for the first time in 17 years. A traditional Irish piper played on board as Tower Bridge opened at 2.30pm.

Tugs took HMS Belfast as far as West India Docks where she was turned and made ready for her two day sea voyage. Her triple six inch guns were fired as she passed Greenwich.

Crowds lined the banks of the river to witness this event, while a number of former members of the ship's company accompanied her on MV Golden Salamander down the Thames.

The departure of HMS Belfast could be followed live on Livesights ThamesCam which provides a 24-hour live picture from the pier to which HMS Belfast is moored.

HMS Belfast will reopen to the public early in July.