NAVY twins Nick and Adam Crabtree celebrated their 18th birthday yesterday while on training at HMS Raleigh, Cornwall.

The brothers, from the Beardwood area of Blackburn, are in the first week of a nine-week initial training course to transform them from civilians to sailors.

The course teaches recruits the basic skills they will rely on throughout their time in the Royal Navy, and includes a series of physical and mental challenges to develop team-working skills.

Family and friends held a party for the twins before they left home.

On their birthday, the twins had a 5.45am start, followed by a day of lessons in ironing, polishing boots, and preparing their kits for inspection.

Nick said: "If we were at home we'd probably meet up with some mates for our birthday.

"I never imagined that we would be marching around on our 18th, but I'm glad we're here, and I'm looking forward to the assault course, and the other outdoor aspects of training."