IT was a challenge Anneka Rice would be proud of. A team of 20 crew from HMS Southampton have taken a run-down flat in Woolston and turned it into a state-of-the-art well-being centre for a multiple sclerosis charity.

Through Saturday the volunteers worked tirelessly to complete the project, which will be the new base for Tell Everyone About Multiple Sclerosis (TEAMS).

TEAMS manager Jenni Fletcher said the Navy's involvement had come as a bit of a surprise.

"I received a call from the mayor's office saying a team of volunteers from HMS Southampton wanted to help us put our new centre together," she said.

"I was absolutely delighted. They're doing the old Challenge Anneka right here in Woolston. It shows that somebody recognises the work we do with a subject that is hard to promote."

HMS Southampton arrived in Southampton on Friday for the first time since 2001.

She has been based in Portsmouth for two months while undergoing maintenance after returning from a three-month deployment in November.

During the three-day stay in Southampton, officers and crew have been involved in a number of projects in the city.

The ship's crew often volunteer to help out with an assortment of charities. Other

projects they have been helping with include creating a community garden in Shirley Warren and lending a hand at the Second Chance Animal Shelter in Mansbridge.

On Friday, the crew presented a cheque for £1,200 to the Princess Anne neonatal unit in Southampton after a group of seamen competed in the Athens Marathon.

Lt Mark Gibbs said: "We want to help the community while we are in our home port, so we just come in and do what we can while we're here."

But their work extends around the world, helping out in foreign lands.

"We have helped on some projects in the Mediterranean, especially in Greece and Turkey, and later this year we are going to the Falklands," said Lt Gibbs.

"We just have to wait until we get to the next port and wherever help is needed, we will do our best."

HMS Southampton left the city today for Plymouth where she will undergo several weeks of sea training.

In August, she will head to the South Atlantic for a six-month deployment.

TEAMS' well-being centre opened today and has a new office, therapy room, kitchen and lounge.

Esme Bignell, 67, suffers from multiple sclerosis.

She said: "It's fantastic that they have turned out to help us.

"The well-being centre is going to be good for all of us with MS as it's somewhere we can all come and talk and meet and receive therapy if we need it."