A NORTH-EAST student has completed the first stage of his training to become a Royal Navy warfare officer.

Sub Lieutenant James Walton, 24, from Newton Hall, Durham City, joined the Navy in March 1998 as an air engineering mechanic. Prior to his selection for officer training, he worked with naval air squadrons and achieved his Able Rate first class.

He has now completed the initial phase of officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, Devon.

Sub Lieutenant Walton, a former pupil of Framwellgate Moor Comprehensive School, was joined by his parents in Dartmouth for a passing out parade where the salute was taken by the Princess Royal.

He has now joined the assault ship HMS Ocean for further fleet training.