Petty Officer Kirk Douglas of HMS Calliope in Gateshead was honoured by Great Ayciffe Town Council on Monday 19th December 2016 with the presentation of a framed emblem of the Town’s coat of arms.  The Mayor, Councillor Jed Hillary, visited HMS Calliope, the Royal Navy Recruiting Office, to make the presentation.  Petty Officer Douglas is the last serving crew member of HMS Eskimo, who were given the Freedom of Great Aycliffe in 1978. The ship’s company purchased and presented to the town, the Mayoral Town Council Honours  “The Last Eskimo” robes and civic chain of office that are still in use today.  Petty Officer Douglas is due to retire from the Royal Navy in March 2017 after 40 years service.  The Mayor became aware of Petty Officer Douglas’ involvement in the freedom parade during the charity golf competition held at the Oakleaf Golf Complex in July 2016, where HMS Calliope entered a team in the competition.  The inscription on the framed emblem read “Presented to Petty Officer Kirk Douglas, ‘The Last Eskimo’ by Great Aycliffe Town Council, 2016”.