A man from Fakenham is preparing to train as a Royal Navy air crewman after successfully completing basic training.

Trainee Naval Airmen Sergei Harvey, 20, completed an intensive 10-week training course at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall, where he learnt the basics of Naval discipline and customs.

He will now head to RAF Shawbury, near Shrewsbury, where he will train as an Air Crewman.

“I joined the Royal Navy for the challenge of travelling and because of the career prospects, and also to fly professionally,” said Mr Harvey.

“The days have been very long, but the weeks have flown past. Overall training has been challenging, but completely worth it.”

The Royal Navy’s initial training course involves learning navigation and taking control of a medium sized inflatable boat during a waterborne exercise. Recruits also undergo training in combat skills.