A RETIRING Royal Navy officer, who was honoured by The Queen, is embarking on a new mission after returning home to the North-East.

Warrant Officer Glenn Gowling is hanging up his uniform this week after serving his country with distinction since leaving school in Darlington.

He was awarded the MBE in 2003 "for services to defence intelligence" in the wake of the September 11 terrorism attacks.

Now, Glenn has been appointed as an advisor to the National Careers Service, and has also vowed to breathe new life into the Darlington branch of the Royal Naval Association.

The RNA is the country's biggest supporter of Royal Navy veterans and serving personnel and Glenn said: "I was saddened to see that the branch was on the point of folding – I can't let that happen."

He plans to raise funds for the branch by taking part in the Virtual Land's End to John O'Groats Walk or Run.

He will also be writing to all 31 care homes in Darlington to check if any residents served in the Royal Navy or Marines and need support or comradeship.