A BOLTON woman has finished top of the class in her basic training with the Royal Navy.

Air Engineer Artificer Joanna Marshall, aged 29, of Ladybridge, was awarded the General Navy Knowledge prize after gaining the highest score in the subject over the 10 week course.

Joanna completed her training at HMS Raleigh, which is the Navy's New Entry Training Establishment at Torpoint, Cornwall. She had previously served six years as a Wren Chef before a short stint as a Fine's Officer at Lincoln Magistrate's Court.

She has now moved to HMS Sultan in Gosport, Hampshire, where she will complete further specialist training.

Her hobbies include scuba diving and swimming and she is now looking forward to a varied and challenging career -- with lots of travelling.