A NAVY veteran who supported more than 5,000 young recruits during ten years as a mentor has left a lasting legacy at HMS Raleigh.

The John Bartlett trophy will be given each year to the recruit who shows the most positive attitude during the ten tough weeks of basic training.

The first recipient of the new award was 19 year old Bethany Potter. She was presented with the trophy by John’s widow, Barbara Bartlett.

John, who was a long standing member of the Liskeard Royal Naval Association, was one of the founder members of the veterans mentor scheme.

Young recruits are met at the station on day one of their training by former naval personnel, and from then on they have the chance for an informal get together two or three times a week.

The chats are a chance for the trainee sailors to ask questions and discuss any worries they might have, without the pressure of feeling judged by their peers or their instructors.