A TEENAGER from Bolton is celebrating becoming a Royal Navy sailor.

Samuel Darbyshire, aged 19, has completed 10 weeks of training.

The former Little Lever High School pupil’s father, Stuart, previously served in the Royal Navy.

His trainee engineering technician son started his training in Cornwall in May. Samuel celebrated his achievement at the passing-out parade at HMS Raleigh, attended by family and friends.

He said: “I joined the Royal Navy to follow in my dad’s footsteps.

“It’s been something I’ve wanted to do all my life. I found the training tiring. Knowing that it’s over is a relief, but it’s given me a huge sense of accomplishment.”

He will now head off to HMS Collingwood in Fareham, Hampshire, for a five-month course, where he will learn about the Navy’s weapons systems, safety procedures, electrical and electronic repair techniques and the basics of hydraulics and pneumatics.