Torpoint teenager Joe Rice was among the latest group of Royal Navy recruits to complete training at HMS Raleigh last Friday.

Joe, who is aiming to become an engineering technician, was among 46 recruits who took part in the passing-out-parade watched by families and friends.

Inspired by Torpoint’s close links with the Royal Navy, Joe left his home to move into the training base last November.

The 18-year-old said: ‘Living really local to HMS Raleigh, the Navy’s always been something that I’ve been aware of, seeing the recruits come and go.

‘The Navy has always intrigued me so I decided at 16 I wanted to join and came in after my A Levels.

‘There’s also the opportunity to travel and the qualifications I’ll get for being an engineer, which will be good for me after I leave the Service.

‘It’s been hard, knowing that my house is literally just there outside the gate, but it’s also been nice because I’ve been home to see my family both times we had shore leave.’

With HMS Raleigh providing employment for a high number of the local community, there have been a number of familiar faces for Joe.

He said: ‘My first meal on my first night was served to me by my best friend who works here. That was really weird.

‘It feels like I’ve left home, but then it feels like I haven’t because there’s been familiar faces everywhere.’

After completing the first stage of his training, Joe is ready to head to HMS Sultan near Portsmouth, to learn the skills to become an engineer specialising in marine engineering.

He said: ‘I’m looking forward to going to Portsmouth to see how I react being away from home.

‘Training at Raleigh has been hard, but it’s gone really quickly and I’ve also enjoyed it.

‘I’ve met some of the best people here, who will be mates for life.

‘The worst thing is coming back from exercise, you’re dirty and cold and there’s all your kit to wash and turn around. You just get through it and do it all together as a team.

‘I barely put the washing machine on at home. I didn’t even know I could iron, but I’m quite good at it now.’