Britain’s newest aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales will soon be sailing to the East coast of America and on board will be the story of “The Matthew of Bristol” courtesy of Bristol Books.

Bristol Books directors Clive Burlton and Martin Powell attended a ceremony on board the aircraft carrier as guests of Captain Darren Houston to mark the affiliation of the ship with Bristol and Liverpool.

A “Bristol suite” is being created on board to mark the link with the city. Clive handed over copies of the book about the tiny ship that discovered North America in 1497 and the replica that made the same voyage in 1997 and can still be seen in Bristol’s Harbour today.

The HMS Prince of Wales is 280 metres long and bigger than any ship previously built for the Royal Navy.

In return for the books Clive Burlton was presented with a special Prince of Wales medal commemorating the ship.

Said Clive: “The books will be available for those on board to read about Bristol’s maritime heritage. The ceremony was held in Liverpool where HMS Prince of Wales had called in after under-going its first sea trials. It is certainly impressive.”