A STOURPORT man is celebrating after successfully completing weeks of "gruelling" training to become a Royal Marine Commando.

Eighteen-year-old, Danny Foster, who was a student at Stourport High School, passed all aspects of the "demanding" 32-week physical and mental training course to earn the coveted Green Beret.

"Delighted" family and friends attended the presentation and passing out parade at the Lympstone base in Devon last month.

He is now a member of 42 Commando Royal Marines, who are based at the Bickleigh barracks, just outside Plymouth.

Mr Foster has explained what effect the Marines' way of life has had on him.

He said: "The discipline is a good thing and it has made me grow up a lot. If I hadn't have joined the Marines I would probably be just hanging around the arcades."

He added: "It's 32 weeks of tough training but that one day at the end makes the whole thing worthwhile."

Former headteacher, Liz Quinn, commended her former pupil for his feat of endurance. She said: "We are delighted that Danny has achieved his ambition. It is a very impressive achievement and we wish him all the best for the future."

Mr Foster hopes, eventually, to take part in further training to either specialise in assault engineering or become a mountain leader.