Furry friends welcomed on board HMS Prince of Wales

It was time for some canine cuddles as the crew of HMS Prince of Wales were visited on board by puppies from Mutts with a Mission.

The Virginia-based charity, which teaches dogs to become service animals for disabled veterans, brought the pups to meet the crew on the vessel while alongside in the US.

The Royal Navy aircraft carrier is taking part in trials with her American allies.

• Behind-the-scenes glimpse of regiment that trains military's four-legged personnel
• Hero dog Shimanski honoured as four-tour US Marine Corps veteran for 'unwavering courage'
• Military dogs prove their bark isn't bigger than their bite on Arctic training with Royal Marines

Non-profit organisation Mutts with a Mission also trains service dogs for first responders and law enforcement personnel, as well as military veterans.

The visit by the over-excited pups came before the Queen Elizabeth-class carrier set sail from Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

It is expected the ship will soon begin F-35B flight trials off the east coast of the US.

HMS Prince of Wales left Portsmouth for three months of trials at the start of September.