EMMA Whittle chose a life on the ocean wave when she joined the Royal Navy after leaving school. Now Emma, aged 17, of Horwich is making waves of her own on the playing field as the youngest member of the Combined Services Hockey Team.

But Emma can't see what all the fuss is about, for as she says: "I'm only playing hockey, something I love doing." A keen sportswoman, she joined the Wrens last July after leaving Rivington and Blackrod School where she played hockey for the school. She also played for the County and in the Manchester Youth Games.

Her sporting interests don't end there for she also played rounders in the Bolton League and was a member of the school netball team. Needless to say it wasn't long before her sporting achievements became known at HMS Raleigh, Plymouth and after going for trials she was soon picked to play for the Navy Hockey Team. But then after taking part in a tournament against teams from the Army and RAF Emma's outstanding performance earned her a place on the Combined Services Team. A Junior Wren Emma of Chorley New Road is now based at HMS Drake where she works as a stores accountant. Her eventual aim is to be a PT Instructor but she will have to wait until she is at least 21 and is awarded a rank.

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