A BORN and bred Sidmouth man celebrated taking a huge stride in his Royal Navy career after months of training that saw him travel the world.

A BORN and bred Sidmouth man celebrated taking a huge stride in his Royal Navy career after months of training that saw him travel the world.

Mark Titherington attended a passing out ceremony in front of proud loved-ones, including mum Lenny, brother Phillip and girlfriend Jess, on December 16.

Sidmouth-born Mark ‘passed out’ as a Sub Lieutenant (Warfare) from Britannia Royal Naval College.

Mum Lenny said: “Having a normal nine to five job wouldn’t have suited Mark, he wanted a career where adventure and excitement was part of it. With his love of the sea and outdoors, the Royal Navy was the natural choice.

“We are so proud of his achievements, he has worked extremely hard to get where he is today.”

Mark spent seven weeks of his training on HMS Ocean and went to Brazil, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Portugal.

Keen kayaker Mark’s love of the sea was formed from an early age when his late father, Ken, took him and brother Phillip to pull boats off Sidmouth beach in the early hours of the morning because of storms.

“We would come back soaked to the bones and shattered, but thrilled with our night’s adventure,” said Mark.

The former St John’s School pupil has a degree in forensic science from Canterbury University.