A FORMER pub chef is enjoying a daily diet of adventure as part of his new career.

Chris Hedley, 19, from Durham, is serving as a steward in the wardroom of HMS Ocean, the Royal Navy's largest warship, in the North Arabian Gulf.

He joined the Navy a year ago after leaving New College Durham with catering qualifications.

Chris, who was a junior chef at the Court Inn, Durham, said: "It was a great place for learning the basics of the trade but here, we produce over 1,200 meals four times a day, and our customers, the Royal Marines, have huge appetites.

"I really enjoy the atmosphere on board. We work very hard but there are very good career prospects and I am studying hard for promotion to Leading Hand."

He said he hoped for a reunion with his ex-girlfriend on his return to Durham.

"Unfortunately, we decided to call it a day when the ship sailed because we knew that the separation would be difficult to cope with," he said.

"We're still talking and sending emails to each other but she realises I joined the Navy to see the world and get involved in operations."