TEENAGER Emily Staines is celebrating passing the Navy's basic training assessment with flying colours.The 18-year-old, who comes from Shotley, joined the Navy last year, to begin her training as a Naval Nurse, and last month took part in the passing out ceremony which marks the successful completion of her basic training.

TEENAGER Emily Staines is celebrating passing the Navy's basic training assessment with flying colours.

The 18-year-old, who comes from Shotley, joined the Navy last year, to begin her training as a Naval Nurse, and last month took part in the passing out ceremony which marks the successful completion of her basic training.

Emily said: "The training has been very hard work, but great fun and really rewarding. We had to do a lot of fitness training, and marching, hikes and assault courses; we learnt all about seamanship, about the tasks and roles of different ships, and responsibilities when at sea; as well as the military training, and weapons handling and target practice.

"I have had a brilliant time, and the feeling of camaraderie amongst everyone going the course was amazing, I have made some really solid friends. I am so pleased to have achieved this, and now can not wait to start my nursing training in Birmingham."

Emily will now start a three year diploma course, before qualifying as a registered nurse. Once qualified she will be able to take up a post in any of the medical establishments for armed forces personnel in the country and across the globe.

Emily, who went to Holbrook High School, said: "I always wanted to be a nurse but was put off by the cost of funding yourself through training, when I realised the Navy pays you a decent wage throughout your training, I thought I ought to find out more. I know a few people in the Navy, who all seemed to enjoy it, so I thought I would try it, and I have never looked back. I am so pleased I decided to go for it, and am really looking forward to my training, and then starting work for real."