A DARLINGTON man has completed his transformation from a civilian into a Royal Navy sailor after passing an intensive training course.

Martin Bowers spent ten weeks training at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall to become a Royal Navy communications and information systems specialist.

The 20-year-old former Richmond School pupil is now heading for HMS Collingwood in Hampshire to learn how to operate radio and satellite systems to become a central member of the ship’s warfare department.

Once all his training is complete, his role at sea will be to send and receive vital messages from the shore and other ships.

He said: “The reason I joined the Royal Navy was to meet new people, to get a career and a job that makes a difference.

“I’ve loved every minute of training, but the main highlights were I was made PT Superior and also the sinking ship simulator.

“Overall there have been some hard times, but the physical training was really good.”