A 20-year old from Hemsby has completed his transformation from a civilian into a Royal Navy sailor during a 10-week intensive training course at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall.

From day one trainee engineer technician (weapons engineering) Submariner Billy Mayhew-Stone has been put through his paces, undertaking a series of physical and mental challenges in order to reach the essential standards required by every member of the Naval Service.

He has been engaged in team work exercises that mimic as much as possible the operations that the Royal Navy is engaged in all over the globe. As well as the basics such as marching and fitness sessions, Billy has also learned how to handle a SA80 assault rifle, seamanship techniques and how to tackle floods and fires at sea. The course culminates in the passing-out-parade attended by families and friends.

Billy attended Great Yarmouth College and was a barman before joining the Navy.

He said: 'With the background my family had in the Armed Forces I decided to join the military and my desire to travel drew me to the Royal Navy and I haven't looked back.

'Training was the hardest thing I have ever done but it was also the best.

'I am now looking forward to the rest of my career and all the adventures along the way.'

Billy's determination has driven him to successfully complete his initial training; the next port of call for him will be at HMS Collingwood, Portsmouth.

There he will learn about the weapons systems on board submarines, the safety procedures and how to make electrical and electronic repairs.

He will also be taught basic hydraulics and pneumatics. Once fully qualified as an Engineering Technician Billy will be taught how to operate beneath the waves at the Royal Navy Submarine School based at HMS Raleigh.