STUDIO manager Lucy Artley of York-based United by Design, thought her dreams of being involved with the Royal Navy were over when hip problems and surgery ruled out a naval career.

However Miss Artley, 27, of Holgate, has now found a way to follow her aspirations by volunteering with the sea cadets.

A chance meeting with Richard Lenton, regional employer engagement director for the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA), whilst networking for United by Design, prompted Lucy, who comes from a military family, to look into a role as an adult volunteer with the Sea Cadets.

Mr Lenton said: “Lucy is exactly the type of person who would make an excellent adult volunteer. She’s ambitious, hardworking and professional as well as being very creative – bringing skills and experience from her design agency job as studio manager. She also has some knowledge of the armed forces.

“I suggested that she should look into volunteering with the Sea Cadets as it was an option that was still very much open to her and would give her that military ‘fix’ she was still craving.”

Miss Artley contacted York Sea Cadets and went along to their annual meeting last October, before completing the paperwork necessary to become a fully-fledged adult volunteer.

She said: “Joining the Sea Cadets was a challenge, but it was one I was determined to see through. I had no experience of the cadet structure or of drills or colours or anything like that so it was a very fast learning curve.

“There are lots of things I do that I’ve never experienced before but it’s fantastic to be part of an organisation where there is no prejudice, where people hold the same values and there’s a real sense of belonging.”

She is currently an acting petty officer.