A FORMER east Durham schoolboy has passed a crucial phase of his Navy career.

Operator Mechanic David Dove, 19, has just passed out from the second phase of his tough naval training within the welfare training group of the Maritime Warfare School HMS Collingwood, in Fareham, Hampshire.

Originally from Shotton, where his parents, Brian and Susan Dove, still live, David, set out to follow in his brother's footsteps and joined the Navy last October at the Middlesbrough Careers Office.

An ex-pupil of Shotton Hall Comprehensive school, he enjoys football and socialising with friends in his spare time.

David, who was described by his superiors as doing well in his training in the Navy, is due to join the Type 22 Frigate HMS Cornwall.