Image of the Day: 8 February 2013

The crew of HMS Illustrious are slightly softer, cuddlier and fluffier today, thanks to the generosity of one of the carrier's staunchest supporters. Able Seaman Ted is the latest of many cuddly toys donated to the ship by Betty Hockey. She was thanked for her generosity by Commanding Officer Captain Martin Connell when he invited her to lunch at the Royal Naval Historical Society as she was not able to come on board Illustrious due to her old age. [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Dean Nixon and Chief Petty Officer (Writer) Aurora Allen, Crown Copyright/MOD 2013]