WHEN three friends joined the Royal Navy back in 1976, they could never have guessed they would end up running a printing business in East Lancashire.

Steve Shread and Dave Hogarth quit the senior service as petty officers 12 years ago to establish Academy Print at the Altham Industrial Estate.

Nick Oakley stayed in the Navy and rose to the rank of Commander, in charge of engineering for 2nd Submarine Squadron.

And when he surfaced for a life on civvy street after 25 years, there was only one job for him - managing director of his friends' company.

"We all joined up together and even though Steve and Dave left the Navy about 12 years ago, we have all kept in touch," explained Nick.

"They wanted to expand the business and invested in new machinery and extra staff.

"We have remained good friends throughout and they saw that I had the management experience they were looking for."

After 18 years spent in conventional and nuclear submarines, responsible for up to 200 ratings, Nick is enjoying life on dry land.

"It is a completely different life and I am finding the challenge very enjoyable," he added.

Academy Print, which employs 30 full-time staff, offers a full colour litho service to clients throughout the North West.