TWO young sailors are looking forward to bright careers with the Royal Navy.

Eighteen-year-old Ashley Firth, of Barnoldswick, is ejnoying a well earned break, following his return from a unique NATO mission.

Ashley is serving on the HMS Minehunter Sandown as an operator maintainer, in the first operation of its kind undertaken by NATO mine countermeasures. His challenging work involves long watch hours as the vessel clears unexploded ordnance from the Adriatic Sea.

Ashley, who spent a total of 38 days on task, is currently enjoying relaxing with his girlfriend and family. He now hopes to train as a Royal Navy diver. Barrowford seaman James Heyworth was watched by his proud parents at his passing out parade in Dartmouth, after completing the initial stage of officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College.

Sub-lieutenant Heyworth, 22, a former student at Nelson and Colne College and Leeds University, intends to become a seaman officer.

He joined up in September 1998 after graduating with a degree in psychology and spent two months at sea in the Type 22 Frigate, HMS Boxer.

The ship was operating in the Middle and Far East and while James was there it visited Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.

James has now joined the fleet for further general training before taking professional courses.

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