The outgoing base commander is to don his number fours – smart shirt and trousers – before flying through the air on a zipwire 46ft above the ground.

He will take part in the adrenaline-pumping flight at 11am tomorrow, Thursday, as part of a preview for Meet Your Navy.

Launching from the five-storey tower, he will travel at 15 miles an hour along a 820ft track as he zooms towards Nelson's flagship HMS Victory.

He said: 'I am thrilled to have the opportunity to experience this amazing ride and trust that many more will follow me, raising money for the Marie Curie Cancer Trust and having a bird's eye view of Meet Your Navy.

'I have no doubt that the zipwire will be a major attraction throughout the Meet Your Navy project.'

The organisers of the three-day spectacular have already taken nearly 10,000 advance bookings, and with the weather due to stay warm and dry, it will be one of the biggest public events since Trafalgar 200 in 2005.

That giant festival featured a full fleet review, and while there are nowhere near as many ships due this year Portsmouth Naval Base will still be packed with warships.

It may not have been to Nelson's liking, but alongside the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious will be the French patrol ship Flamant, accompanied by three Japanese ships and visitors from Denmark, Brazil and Chile.

In the air above, as well as the Red Arrows display, there will be the decorated veterans of the Royal Navy Historic Flight.

They will display the aerial skills that turned the Second World War in Britain's favour.

The zipwire costs £15 to register, and participants are being asked to try to raise £100 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

To register before the event, call 01883 832665 or e-mail se.events@mariecurie.org.uk

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