AN OFFICER Cadet from Horrabridge has successfully completed the initial phase of officer training at Britannia Royal Naval college (BRNC) in Dartmouth, in his bid to become a warfare officer in the Royal Navy.

Midshipman Edward Pearson, 20, has undergone 30 weeks of training which consisted of numerous challenges with significant emphasis on developing leadership skills in addition to academic work. The training included 10 weeks at sea on board the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, which was operating in UK and north European waters.

This allowed Edward to gain experience across all specialisations and departments in an operational warship. The course culminated in the passing out parade, attended by the cadets' families and friends.

Edward is following in the footsteps of his father Neil, who passed out of BRNC nearly 30 years ago and has just retired as a marine engineering officer.

While at school Edward was a keen member of the Combined Cadet Force Naval Section, achieving the rank of head cadet.

With the first phase of his training complete, Edward has returned to BRNC to start the initial warfare officer's foundation course, the start of his professional courses before an appointment at sea.

Details of career opportunities within the Royal Navy are available online at http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk">www.royalnavy.mod.uk or contact the recruitment line on 08456 075555.