A 21-year-old soldier has completed the world's toughest military training course to earn the right to wear the coveted green beret of the Royal Marine Commandos.
Thomas Hudson, from Willington, came through a gruelling test of endurance, strength and courage to pass out with 851Troop at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Lympstone, in Devon.
The test came at the end of a 30-week training course. Carrying full fighting equipment weighing 32lbs, Thomas had to cross a one-and-a-half- mile cross-country course negotiating tunnels and water hazards, before running five- and-a-half-miles back to camp to demonstrate his shooting skills on a rifle range, all within 72 minutes.
His nerve was tested on a 13- minute high-speed aerial and ground assault course, which ended with a 30ft climb.
The former Parkside Comprehensive School pupil 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.
"Thirty weeks of the most arduous training in the world is enough to change any man. It develops unique qualities which will rarely be found anywhere."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article