A PENKETH sailor has won an award for Writer of the Year.

Able Rate Lucy Gilston was presented with a fountain pen from the Royal Navy Writers Association in recognition of her achievement.

Lucy, aged 18, gained the best overall performance during her professional training at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall in an area of administration known as logistics personnel, where staff were previously known as writers.

The former St Gregory's High School pupil joined the Royal Navy in January 2006 and is currently on HMS Bulwark deployed in the waters around Norway, taking part in a large multi-national amphibious exercise.

Lucy said: "I am delighted and very proud to have received this award and am pleased that all my hard work paid off."

The Commanding Officer of HMS Bulwark, Captain Jeremy Blunden, presents Able Rate Lucy Gilston with her prize