A diver who helped raise the Kursk nuclear submarine has been to Russia to honour the sailors who died in the tragedy.

Mark Girdlestone, 42, of Brightlingsea, was one of a team that helped raise the stricken sub last year. He and eight other divers flew to St Petersburg in Russia for a memorial service.

He was reunited with his Russian colleagues who worked with him on the project and he met families of the victims.

On Saturday he laid a wreath at the Russian Naval Ceremony in honour of the 118 sailors who died after the Kursk sunk in the Barents Sea.

Since returning from the job he has maintained contact with the Russians, and took several gifts with him to give to the divers.

His wife Jane said today: "They have had a wonderful time. It's been a mixture of emotions - the absolute elation of meeting friends and colleagues they worked so closely with, and such a feeling of sorrow. He was so moved."

Mr Girdlestone took Tiptree jam, Maldon sea salt and HP sauce as English gifts for the Russian families, and now plans to keep in regular contact with the Russian divers and their families.

Published Tuesday, March 12, 2002