CADET Emma Alexander has successfully completed the initial phase of training at Britannia Royal Naval College in her bid to become an officer in the Royal Navy.

The 26-year-old, from West Lavington, near Devizes, is a former pupil at Devizes School. She joined the Royal Navy in May last year after graduating from the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff with an honours degree in interior architecture. She then worked as a design assistant for Inner Space in Potterne before deciding on a career move to the Armed Forces.

The course at the naval college has gone along at a hectic pace, including two months at sea when Emma served on board the Type 22 Frigate HMS Coventry, on deployment in the West Indies.

The time on board provided cadets with an excellent insight into all aspects of life at sea in a fully operational warship.

Her parents, John and Peggy Alexander, travelled to Dartmouth, Devon, to witness the impressive Passing Out Parade where the salute was taken by HRH The Princess Royal.

Sub Lieutenant Alexander is now on the Type 42 destroyer, HMS Manchester, for further fleet training.