A ROYAL Navy recruit from Torquay has sailed through basic training and is now plotting a course for a life at sea.

Trainee seaman specialist Hayley Cosgrave, 20, a former pupil at Westlands School, and who previously worked as a care assistant, joined the navy in October.

Hayley,

, has just completed a nine week basic training course at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall, to learn the navy's ethos and routines, culminating with a passing-out parade when successful recruits march out before their families and friends.

Her next port of call is HMS Collingwood in Hampshire for 10 months of training to learn how to re-supply, anchor and berth ships, to operate communications systems, weapons skills, and safety procedures.

She said: "I joined the Royal Navy because I wanted a career which involved travel. I have enjoyed getting fitter throughout the course and meeting so many great people.

"I feel proud to be in the Royal Navy. I've worked hard to get to this stage and it's a great achievement."