A FORMER Great Sankey High School pupil has sailed to success as a class leader in the Royal Navy.

Trainee engineering technician Alex Brabin, aged 26, joined the Royal Navy in November and was selected to lead his class during the nine week training course.

Under Alex's leadership the class was awarded the Ganges Trophy, having collectively achieved the best marks during training.

He said: "It's an excellent feeling to enter the best Navy in the world.

"The highlights of training have been running until it hurts, firing the SA 80 rifle, having a laugh with the lads and working as a team.

"I can't wait to start travelling the world and serving my Queen and country."

Alex is now heading for HMS Sultan in Hampshire to specialise in marine engineering.