A YOUNG woman from Barnstaple has successfully completed basic training and is now on course to join her sister as a member of the Royal Navy's healthcare team.

Trainee dental nurse Amy Gracie, 19, embarked on her Royal Navy career in June.

Her 23-year-old sister, Olivia, joined the service five years ago and is currently a Leading Naval Nurse at HMS Drake in Plymouth.

Amy completed nine weeks of intensive training designed to transform her from a civilian into a sailor.

The former pupil of Pilton Community College previously worked as an administrative assistant.

She said: "I joined the Royal Navy for the great career prospects, a different way of life, to travel the world and meet new people.

"It feels amazing to have achieved far beyond what I thought I could, thanks to the exceptional training and the support of the instructional staff.

"My ambition is to complete my training as a dental nurse and then serve on an aircraft carrier."

Her sister Olivia said: "I'm really proud of Amy for completing basic training. It was great to see her looking so smart in her uniform."