A SAILOR from Droitwich was taking part in a massive marine event today to mark the Royal Navy's greatest victory.

Karl Smith was be aboard the destroyer HMS Cardiff during the international fleet review in honour of the Battle of Trafalgar's 200th anniversary and the inspiration of Admiral Lord Nelson.

More than 160 vessels from 35 countries were contributing to the event, on the Solent, near Portsmouth, which is being attended by the Queen and is the first review since her Silver Jubilee in 1977.

The 23-year-old joined the Royal Navy four years ago. Since then he has seen many parts of the world, from countries in the Middle East such as Egypt, Bahrain and Dubai, to Ghana and Sierra Leone in Africa.

Mr Smith's duties onboard include bulk fuel maintenance and he forms a key part of both the boarding party and the ship's standing emergency party, its equivalent of a fire brigade.

"My most exciting time was working alongside the Royal Marines in the Persian Gulf as part of the boarding party helping to stop the smuggling of illegal crude oil," he said.

"The sheer rush of excitement as we boarded either by boat or fast-roped onto the deck from a helicopter was incredible."

Ironically, his most nerve-wracking moment took place last year on dry land during an official visit to Brazil - he suffered vertigo on a cable car ascending Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.

Born in Droitwich, where his parents Alan and Christine still live, Mr Smith attended Droitwich High School. He lives in the town with partner Samantha and one-year-old daughter Sophie.