CRAIG Wharrie, who hails from Birkenhead, has successfully completed the initial stage of officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, in his bid to become an engineering officer in the Royal Navy.

The 24-year-old former pupil of Birkenhead School worked as an industrial engineer for Gilberts in Blackpool for two years after graduating from Nottingham University with a degree in mechanical engineering.

He joined the Royal Navy in January and his course has included two months at sea in the Type 22 Frigate HMS Boxer, operating in the Middle East.

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