A rose in the ice as HMS Montrose sails between the bergs

Slipping past icebergs 8,000 miles from home, HMS Montrose begins 2012 hard at work.

The Type 23 frigate encounters penguins-clad glaciers and rocky outcrops as she operates in cold waters.

Her crew, led by Commander Jonathan Lett, has been in the South Atlantic since before Christmas.

The Devonport-based Type 23 frigate has the responsibility of visiting British territories such as Saint Helena and the South Sandwich islands.

Cdr Lett said:

“Working in this part of the world involves long distances but spectacular scenery.

“We often experience sub-zero temperatures because of where we are, and landscapes that are nothing like Britain.

“It’s a deployment that many of my Ship’s Company enjoy, because it is so unique.”

The Plymouth-based ship has been away since well before Christmas, though, and can encounter severe seas.

Cdr Lett added:

“We have worked hard as a ship, which is very encouraging.”