SYSTON SAILOR ON THE CREST OF A WAVE

A 20-year-old Royal Navy recruit from Syston, Leicester is one step closer to a life at sea after completing his basic training at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall.

Trainee Engineering Technician Nathan Chapman joined the Royal Navy in November. He has just completed nine weeks of intensive training to turn him from a civilian into a sailor. The course teaches recruits the basic skills they will rely upon throughout their time in the Royal Navy and includes a series of physical and mental challenges to develop team working skills.

The former pupil of King Edward VII School said: "I joined the Royal Navy to learn a trade and to travel the world. Training has been a great experience and I'm really proud of all that I've achieved."

Now ready for his professional course, Nathan has transferred to HMS Sultan in Hampshire. As a specialist in marine engineering, once fully trained, he will be part of the team that looks after everything from the fuel, power and propulsion systems that keep the ship going, to the water purification and air-conditioning equipment critical to the wellbeing of the crew.

HMS Raleigh is the Royal Navy's premier training establishment in the South West. As well as training all new Rating recruits to the Service, the establishment provides a range of specialist training in a variety of areas, including seamanship, logistics and submarine operations.