A SON has followed in his father's footsteps after completing work experience at RNAS Yeovilton.

Oliver Messom, 15, finished the placement 28 years after his father, air engineering officer Kevin Messom, 43, did the same.

The dad said: "My employment has been extremely varied, encompassing mechanical engineering, flight testing, engineering management and recently working within the policy and assurance space.

"The Royal Navy has provided me so many opportunities above that I would have encountered in civilian employment."

He added: "I have enjoyed a significant amount of time at sea, embarking on legacy T42 Destroyers and T23 Frigates mainly touring the Mediterranean and Caribbean including engaging in anti-narcotic operations."

(Image: Royal Navy)

Oliver Messom found his father's legacy inspiring: "I found out a lot of things I didn’t know and overall got a really good insight into the Royal Navy.

"The work experience week really helped my thinking on whether to join the Navy or not."

Kevin Messom mentioned he would be "immensely proud" if his son decided to follow in his footsteps, but committed to support his son regardless.

He offered a final piece of advice: "Seize every opportunity you are given whilst you are young, and never be scared of failure as this will hold you back."