A 25-year-old Clayton-le-Moors man has become a Royal Marine Commando and been awarded the coveted Green Beret.

Steven Mercer has completed 30 weeks of the hardest initial training in the world to achieve the distinctive hallmark of commando troops.

Steven, a former pupil at St Augustines RC High School, said the training had been progressive, leading towards the ultimate aim of being awarded the coveted Green Beret.

"It has been a fantastic experience for me and I have made some life-long friends among my fellow Royal Marines.

"The sense of achievement felt by us all is immense."

The training culminates in recruits having to pass the Commando tests which are:

The Endurance Course -- a one and a half mile cross country 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 within 72 minutes.

Tarzan Assault Course -- an aerial course set between five and 10m high among trees, testing nerve and confidence at height, followed by the assault course of a dozen or more obstacles and finished by climbing a 30ft wall, all to be completed within 13 minutes.

Nine mile speed march -- nine miles on metalled roads carrying full fighting order and weapon, 32lbs in all, and completed in 90 minutes.

30 mile load carry -- a 30 mile yomp across Dartmoor carrying full fighting order, weapon and safety stores, 40lb, to be completed in eight hours.