A ROYAL Navy Chief Petty Officer (CPO) from Princetown has been rewarded for his efforts to add realism to training at HMS Raleigh.

CPO Andrew 'Bill' Bailey, 45, works as an instructor at the Defence Maritime Logistics School (DMLS) passing on his 24 years of experience in catering to today's recruits.

Part of the training takes place on a decommissioned mine countermeasures vessel, the former HMS Brecon, where the recruits are given a real taste of their future lives at sea.

CPO Bailey has taken the lead in enhancing the training carried out on board, turning the existing cooking facilities into a fully functioning maritime galley.

He has also introduced exercises to test the budding chefs and stewards in the additional roles they will have to perform at sea, including fire-fighting, first aid and damage control.

In recognition of his work, CPO Bailey was presented with a Herbert Lott Efficiency Award by the Commandant of the DMLS, Commander Fi Shepherd.

His citation for the award reads: 'Solely down to CPO Bailey's efforts the realistic working environment is an invaluable confidence building opportunity for the trainees, as it provides an early awareness of life at sea and more importantly makes the trainees aware of his or her whole ship responsibilities.

'To be offered this, at such an early stage in a rating's career, is hugely beneficial for the individual and for the front-line units.

'Although there is a serious side to the training CPO Bailey has designed the four-night embarked programme so that it is enjoyable for all.'

CPO Bailey, who lives in Princetown with his wife, Gemma, and their son, Joshua, said: 'I was quite shocked to receive the award.

'I didn't expect it. Revising the programme was something I really enjoyed doing, but I can't take all the credit as I was assisted by two of my colleagues who played a big part in it too.'

CPO Bailey joined the Royal Navy in 1990. He has served on six submarines, two warships and ashore with the Royal Marines, deploying with the Commandos to Kenya, working alongside the Grenadier Guards, cooking out in the field.