A SOUTHAMPTON-BASED charity will be playing a key role in this year's SeaBritain.

The Jubilee Sailing Trust's tall ship Lord Nelson, pictured above, has been chosen to take part in the Trafalgar bicentenary commemorations.

As part of the Trafalgar Festival 2005 the ship will deliver The New Trafalgar Dispatch to Spain, France and England. The historic 35-day assignment, divided into two voyages, will start from Portsmouth on July 2 at the height of the International Festival of the Sea.

The voyages will include official visits to Cadiz, Brest and Falmouth, where important presentation ceremonies will take place.

The New Trafalgar Dispatch is a symbolic re-creation in the form of a ceremonial document of the dramatic delivery of Vice-Admiral Collingwood's famous dispatch bearing the first news of the British victory off Cape Trafalgar and the death of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson.

Chief executive of The Jubilee Sailing Trust Amanda Butcher said: "The JST is delighted to be part of these important celebrations and it is ideal that the Lord Nelson should be playing such an important part in bringing together Spain, France and England for this event."

The International Fleet Review off Spithead on June 28 will attract ships from more than 30 of the world's navies.