A FORMER Penketh High School pupil was among Royal Navy recruits on parade at HMS Raleigh to mark the end of basic training.

Trainee engineering technician Louis King, pictured above, has been in Cornwall for the past 10 weeks learning vital skills needed during his service.

The 22-year-old, who previously worked as a telesales advisor, said: “I joined the Royal Navy for the excitement of being in the best Navy in the world and to be confident in knowing I can take care of my girlfriend, Lauren, and 19-month-old daughter, Alivia.

“It feels amazing to have come this far and I know the Navy is for me.”

Louis now heads to HMS Collingwood in Hampshire for his professional course where he will learn about the weapons systems on board submarines and safety procedures.