A West Country reporter has embarked on a seaside trip with a difference.

David Byers, from the Gloucester Citizen, was sent to Malaysia to spend a week with the Royal Navy on one of their ships, HMS Gloucester.

He spent more than 12 hours flying to Penang, an island just off the coast of the capital Kuala Lumpur, and certainly had a week to remember.

Joined by fellow reporter Steve Grant, from the Bristol Evening Post, the pair shared a number of experiences.

These included a cramped bunk bed, Kuala Lumpur’s drivers, Malaysian Independence day and a silver service dinner in the ship commander’s mess.

The ship was launched in 1982, and was the first to shoot down a missile in combat in the Gulf War.

David said of his time with the Navy: “The job they do is incredibly tough, and the hardest part is being forced to leave their family and friends for months on end.

“Depsite this, I was amazed at how professional, hardworking and committed the crew are at all times.

“At a time in which Britain suffers from so many problems, it desperately needs ambassadors like those from the Royal Navy.

“After staying on the HMS Gloucester for only five days, I could not wait to go home. I missed the dry land, my home and being around my friends and family.

“I know I could never do what the crew of the Gloucester do for a living, but then they are made of far sterner stuff than me, or for the that matter, the vast majority of us.”

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