Britannia Royal Naval College And Its Beagles Open Doors To The Public

Thousands attended a Royal Navy open day in Devon over the weekend.

The Navy's officer training establishment, Britannia Royal Naval College, gave the public an insight into the training they have to complete.

Situated on the River Dart in Devon, visitors were able to watch basic military fitness displays, walk around the grounds and see other exhibits.

Captain Jol Woodard, Commanding Officer at Britannia Royal Naval College said:

"I think it's exceeded all of our expectations.

"Two years ago we had 5,500 people through the gates and we've certainly matched that."

The public also got the chance to learn more about their training helicopter and about the traditions of the 20th-century college.

One aspect that surprised many was the fact the site is home to 58 beagles.

The beagles were there before the college was built and, as part of a historic agreement, they will continue to have a home there.

They are occasionally used by cadets to give them a break from military life.

David Bateman is in charge of looking after them at the college.

"They are very well behaved," he said. 

"We need them to be because if we take them out into the countryside we need to be able to control them."

Alpacas came from a local farm also proved to be a popular attraction to many of the visitors.