A FORMER Bishop Wordsworth’s School pupil who was involved in the humanitarian and disaster relief operation in the Philippines, is celebrating a new career as a Royal Navy officer.

Midshipman Darren Petty was among the latest cadets who marked their formal commissioning as an officer on parade at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Devon. To earn his place, he has completed an intensive 30-week training course.

The first two phases took place at the college while the final phase was spent on board HMS Illustrious, which was re-tasked at short notice to take part in the relief effort in the Philippines following the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan.

The cadets were fully involved in the operation, working alongside the ship’s company and the Royal Marines to deliver emergency food, shelter and other essential supplies, and to help with the clean-up operation.

Mr Petty said: “Overall, this course, and the experience upon HMS Illustrious, has prepared me for the ever changing, unpredictable nature of the senior service. I can now go forward and be a junior welfare officer with experience of a humanitarian disaster relief effort behind me, giving me a bit more credibility in my early years.”