A BLACKBURN man was given the Royal seal of approval at his Royal Navy passing-out parade.

Brian Cross, who has just finished his basic naval training at HMS Raleigh, Torpoint, Cornwall, was inspected by Prince Charles on his big day. And he was one of the lucky few selected to chat to the Prince.

Brian, 23, of Bowen Street, Mill Hill, said: "I was a bit nervous when I was speaking to him. He asked me about basic training and what I was doing afterwards and whether or not I had enjoyed training."

Brian's initial training covered seamanship, physical fitness, naval general knowledge and firefighting. He also took part in team leadership exercises on Dartmoor.

He is currently enjoying four weeks summer leave before returning to HMS Raleigh to continue his trade training as a steward.

When that is competed, he will travel to Washington DC to work as a steward at the British Embassy, before going to sea for the first time next summer.

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