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

Matthew Bowers, 19, spent ten weeks training at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall to become a Royal Navy communications and information systems specialist.

Matthew, a 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, Matthew’s role at sea will be to send and receive vital messages from the shore and other ships, including orders, routine supply requests and other essential day to day communications.

He said: “The reason I joined the Royal Navy was to meet new people, to get a career rather than just a job and to travel the world.

“I’ve loved every minute of training, but the main highlights were the sinking ship simulator and completing the military exercise on Dartmoor, which gave me a real buzz.

“Overall there have been some hard times, but training has certainly changed me for the better.”