HIGH Wycombe Royal Navy chef David Price has told of his role in the historic bicentenary celebrations of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Twenty-four-year-old David was serving on board HMS Nottingham, one of 167 ships from 35 of the world's navies involved in the International Fleet Review by the Queen in Portsmouth.

David said: "We were all looking forward to playing our part in the International Fleet Review and the Trafalgar 200 celebrations."

With literally hundreds of guests on board as well as VIPs and corporate sponsors, it was a long hard day for the chefs but well worth the effort."

David has been in the Royal Navy for six years and loves his job.

He said: "It is fantastic to have the opportunity to work with your mates and travel the world at the same time."

David has visited Europe, Egypt, Cyprus, the USA, Canada and the United Arab Emirates with the Royal Navy.

He said: "With some 250 hungry sailors on board and having to feed them with three meals a day in the limited space on board can be quite a challenge."

The celebrations in the Solent are to marked the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and the inspirational leadership of Admiral Lord Nelson.

The British won a miraculous victory against the combined Spanish and French fleets under Lord Nelson, who paid the ultimate price with his life.

The Queen's review of the British fleet last month was the first since the Silver Jubilee.

Louisa Pilbeam