A 19-YEAR-OLD from Didcot is preparing for life in the Royal Navy after joining the ranks following his basic training.

Joshua Phillipps joined the service in November 2017 on an apprenticeship scheme, and is being fast-tracked towards a career fixing warships and making sure they are ready for action.

After an intensive 10-week course, he joined a passing-out-parade where successful recruits march out in front of their families and friends.

Mr Phillips said: “I wanted to do something more interesting and challenging than a normal job.

“Since starting basic training in November I’ve improved my fitness and I’ve also been pushed out of my comfort zone.

“Every challenge I’ve faced during my time here was made much easier by working as a team with other members of my class and I feel I can now participate in group challenges and take on a leadership role whilst under pressure and stress.”

He will now head-off to HMS Sultan in Hampshire for the second phase of his training.