A TEENAGER has just been awarded a Green Beret after completing some of the world's most gruelling army training.

Paul Abbs, 17, from Durham, has completed 30 weeks of intense training to earn his Green Beret and become a fully-fledged Royal Marine Commando.

The Green Beret is the hallmark of the commando and shows those who wear it have displayed qualities of courage, determination, selflessness and high standards.

Paul, a former pupil of Framwellgate School, 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 finish training as a Royal Marine Commando and be awarded the Green Beret.

"It's been a fantastic experience for me and I've made some lifelong friends among my fellow Royal Marines."

The training involves Royal Marine recruits passing the endurance course, which involves negotiating one and a half miles of tunnels and water hazards, running five miles then achieving a marksmanship score on a rifle range, all within 72 minutes.

The Tarzan Assault Course must also be carried out within 13 minutes, in trees up to 10 metres above ground finished by climbing a 30ft wall.

For Commando careers information ring 0845 6075555 or visit www.rmjobs.co.uk.