A TRAINEE sailor from Weymouth was named top recruit when he passed out of his Royal Navy basic training.

Trainee Air Engineer-ing Technician Sam Pike, aged 24, received the Owen Cup at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall.

Former Wey Valley pupil Sam started with the Navy at HMS Raleigh in October after previously working as a machine printer.

He said: “I joined the Royal Navy for a great career and to see the world.

“I am really proud of what I have achieved and how I have grown as a person throughout the course.”

Sam received the Owen Cup for being the top recruit of his intake.

During his nine-week course, Sam learned the basic skills needed for his career in the Navy.

The course included mental and physical challenges.

Highlights included a trek across Dartmoor and a parade at the Britannia Royal Naval College in front of the Earl of Wessex.

Now Sam will transfer to HMS Sultan in Hampshire.

He will learn how to make checks and repairs to ensure that the Royal Navy’s aircraft remain ready.

HMS Raleigh was commissioned as a shore establishment for naval training under the Military Training Act of 1938.