Anger as Portsmouth is superimposed on Gosport in Royal Navy website photo

But eagle-eyed spotters have pointed out something missing from this spectacular image.

The picture, which featured on the Royal Navy website, shows the 65,000-tonne carrier sailing out of the harbour, with Old Portsmouth and the Spinnaker Tower on its left.

But on its right, where Gosport should be, the image has been altered to include shots of Gunwharf Quays and the Land Rover BAR base. A ghostly Wightlink ferry can be seen emerging from between buildings.

In a statement, a navy spokesman said the image had been provided by a digital agency which designs the Royal Navy website, and that the image had removed once the navy were made away by The News.

Photographer Tony Weaver, from Gosport, said: ‘The people of Gosport are not going to be happy about this.

‘It was taken when the carrier went out the week before and was uploaded onto the website.

‘It is definitely a Photoshop and not a good one.’

Gosport Borough Council leader Mark Hook said: ‘It is disappointing. I am sure it was an oversight by the Royal Navy.

‘Maybe it is the navy’s vision of Gosport for the future.

‘Naturally it’s disappointing because Gosport is the home of the Royal Navy.’

A Royal Navy spokesman said: ‘Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

‘The image was uploaded by the digital agency which designs the Royal Navy website, and has now been removed.

‘It is not our policy to use altered images.’