TWO young north Durham soldiers have endured 30 weeks of some of the toughest Army training in the world to receive green berets.

Graeme Carr, 23, of Chester-le-Street and Ian Ronald. of Shotley Bridge have now become Royal Marine commandos.

An Army spokesman said the green beret was the distinctive hallmark of commando troops, indicating that those who wear it have passed a gruelling test of endurance and displayed cheerfulness and courage under adversity.

Graeme said: "Commando training is well known for its intensity, but everything we do is progressive, which enables people with all standards of fitness to achieve the final goal and that is to finish training as a Royal Marine commando."

Ian said: "It's been a fantastic experience for me and I've made some life-long friends here."