GREAT things were predicted of the man who has emerged as the first ethnic minority Royal Naval officer to reach the rank of admiral.

Congratulations have been sent to Durham University graduate Amjad Hussain, 47, by his former college following news that he has become the highest ranked non-white officer in any of the armed services.

The commander of the Portsmouth Royal Navy base has won promotion from the rank of commodore to rear admiral.

He will now be in charge of logistic support and supplies for all of Britain's warships.

Admiral Hussain came to this country with his mother, from northern Pakistan, as a three-year-old, in 1962. She joined his father, who previously found work in Britain as a railway signalman.

Having joined the Royal Navy at the age of 18, he was sponsored to study engineering at Durham University. He was at Collingwood College between 1976 and 1979, graduating with a 2.2 in engineering science and business management.

A spokeswoman said the university was "absolutely delighted" at his success and the principal, Professor Jane Taylor, has sent a letter of congratulations.

A father-of-three, now settled in Hertfordshire, he said: "I love life in the Navy, and I'm just pleased that they seem to be quite happy with me too, so far."

As a rear admiral, his rank is the Naval equivalent of an Army major general or an RAF air vice-marshal.