The British Ambassador to Spain, Dame Denise Holt was in Malaga on Monday 27th July to celebrate the launch of British Consul for Andalucia, Ceuta & Melilla, Steve Jones.

The event was held on board HMS Ocean, the Royal Navy’s biggest assault warship. HMS Ocean was making a final stop in Malaga on her way back to the UK after 6 months of exercises in the Far East as part of the TAURUS 09 task group.

Over 100 guests were invited to visit the ship and enjoy canapés and drinks whilst mingling with members of the crew. Ambassador Holt took the opportunity, during a short speech, to thank Captain Simon Kings for his kind invitation to host the party as well as presenting Steve Jones officially to the guests and Spanish authorities in attendance. She mentioned the successful previous posting of Mr Jones in the Canary Islands and praised his commitment to the Iberian network and Foreign and Commonwealth office in general.

Dame Denise also said how pleased she was to meet the new recruits of the Consular team in Malaga, particularly the Pensions, Benefits & Healthcare team, recognising the success of the “roadshows held across Andalucia, delivering important information on benefits and healthcare entitlements”.

The Ambassador also took time to recognise the fantastic work by volunteer and charity organisations, praising their dedication to “making the lives of the community easier when in difficulty”.

The evening ended with a ceremonial sunset lowering of the flag.

Guests included Eric Duckworth, District Chairman (Spain South) of the Royal British Legion; Eileen Dry, President of Age Concern Estepona; representatives of Cudeca; and Spanish authorities and dignitaries. Also in attendance was recently appointed Honorary Consul for Almeria, Alejandro Guerreo, together with the Honorary British Consuls, Joe Cooper (Seville) and Diana Kelham (Granada).

HMS Ocean leaves Malaga on the 30th July and is set to return back to Plymouth.