A NAVAL cadet from Ilminster received royal approval when he celebrated his formal commissioning and promotion.

Sub Lieutenant James Layzell, from Broadway, was commissioned to the Royal Navy Officer Corps during a parade attended by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

The 25-year-old was one of 154 Officer Cadets taking part in Lord High Admiral’s Divisions at the Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), in Dartmouth, Devon.

Around 800 families, friends and distinguished guests, watched as Her Royal Highness inspected the parade as the representative of her father, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, The Lord High Admiral.

James originally joined the Royal Navy in 2005 as a Rating and served with three Naval Air Squadrons, carrying out maintenance of helicopters during tours of duty all over the world, including Afghanistan and the Gulf.

To prepare for his new role as an Officer, James undertook a 10-week course at BRNC.

The former pupil of Holyrood Community School graduated from Lancaster University with a degree in outdoor studies in 2001.

And he said his training had been tough but enjoyable.

“I joined the Royal Navy to undertake a challenging and diverse role, serving my country,” he said.

“I am ecstatic to complete my training here.

“It is broadened my understanding of the Royal Navy and I’ve developed to hopefully become an effective Naval Officer.

“I look forward to driving my career further forward.”

With the course at Dartmouth complete, James will transfer HMS Sultan to continue his training to become an Air Engineering Officer.

For more on the career opportunities within the Royal Navy, visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk or call the Recruitment Line on 08456 07 55 55.