Naval cadet on top form

Trainee Logistician Lorissa Seville receives the Sapphire Trophy from Rear Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, Commander of Joint Helicopter Command

A teenage Royal Navy recruit from Oldham has been rewarded with a top prize for her performance during her basic military training.

Trainee Logistician Lorissa Seville (19) was presented with the Sapphire Trophy during her passing-out parade at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall.

She was the most improved recruit during the nine-week initial course to teach cadets the basic skills they will rely upon throughout their service careers. She was also presented with the prize as the recruit who maintained the best standard of kit.

Lorissa was inspired to join the Navy while taking a public services course at Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale. She said: “My tutor was an ex-Royal Navy physical training instructor and he pointed me in the direction of the Royal Naval Careers’ office. The rest is history, as they say.”

The former Our Lady’s RC High School pupil began basic training in September, and tackled a series of mental and physical challenges to promote team working which culminated in the passing-out parade attended by family and friends.

Lorissa said: “The whole of basic training was extremely enjoyable. I am elated that I have completed the course. I aim to get on in Navy life and have high hopes for the future.”

She now transfers to the Defence Maritime Logistics School at HMS Raleigh for training to become a specialist in personnel administration.