A HODDLESDEN man has successfully completed 30 weeks of the hardest initial training in the world to become a Royal Marine Commando.

Adam Botterill, 20, now wears the 'Green Beret', the hallmark of commando troops, which signifies the passing of a gruelling physical test.

"It has been a fantastic experience for me and I've made some lifelong friends among my fellow Royal Marines," said Adam, a former pupil of Our Lady and St John RC High School, Blackburn. "I know there are many more challenges to come, but we are all well equipped to meet them."

Adam passed the 'Commando Test', which involves a variety of gruelling activities over several days.

The first was a one-and-a-half mile course negotiating tunnels and water hazards, followed by a five-and-a-half mile run back to camp to achieve a marksmanship score on a rifle range. All this was done within 72 minutes.

In 13 minutes he completed a 'Tarzan' assault course, before climbing a 30ft wall. He had to march nine miles in 90 minutes carrying 32Ib of equipment. On another day, he walked 30 miles in eight hours with 40Ibs on his back.