A DARLINGTON man has celebrated his formal commissioning as a Royal Navy officer.

David Shutt, 24, was one of 115 Officer Cadets who took part in the parade after completing an intensive 30 week training course at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC).

The training course was split into three ten-week phases and for the final section of his training David was assigned to the Fleet Flagship, HMS Bulwark.

During his time on board, the ship gave a capability demonstration and visited London for celebrations to mark the 350th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Marine Corps.

HMS Bulwark was also involved in the commemorations to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day, sailing from Portsmouth to Normandy.

David said: "Sailing into the capital city on the flagship of the Royal Navy for the Royal Marines 350 celebrations was definitely a highlight of training.

"I also had the opportunity to conduct tours to groups of visitors, hopefully giving them an insight into what the Navy and HMS Bulwark can do.

"Taking part in the D-Day 70 commemorations in Normandy will be another memory I will take from training.

"Speaking to the veterans of the D-Day landings and being a part of that event was a huge honour."

Midshipman Shutt graduated from the University of Salford with a degree in contemporary military and international history in 2011 and then went on to complete a Masters in terrorism and security in 2013.

David said: "The career of a Warfare Officer is highly challenging but hugely rewarding, which is the main reason I've joined the Royal Navy.

"I feel that I have gained the foundation required to further my career in the Royal Navy, and I hope to now go on and become a qualified watch keeper and then progress from there."

David will now remain at BRNC to undergo his initial warfare officers' course.