A METHODIST minister has earned the respect of elite troops sent to the Gulf by completing a six-month Commando course, which allows him to join Royal Marines on active service.

The Reverend Tim Wilkinson, who has family in Reeth, North Yorkshire, is available for pastoral duties on Exercise Saif Sareea, in Oman - his first deployment since passing out from training at Lympstone, in Devon.

The exercise was already the largest movement of men and equipment since the Falklands conflict in 1982 - but has taken on added significance since the attacks on America a fortnight ago.

Forces in the area could now find themselves on the front line if Nato strikes at suspected terrorist camps in Afghanistan.

Mr Wilkinson, 37, who has earned the right to wear the Marines' coveted green beret, cannot carry a gun and will not join attack patrols.

However, Principal Chaplain at the Second Sea Lord's Department at Portsmouth, The Reverend Terry Maze, said: "Tim has proved himself to be a highly committed chaplain by undertaking a demanding test of physical and psychological stamina. He will have renewed respect from the Commandos under his pastoral care."