A Chester-le-Street man has just completed some tough Army training to qualify as a Royal Marine Commando.

Michael Graham, 22, has received his Green Beret, after passing tests of endurance.

To qualify for the beret, Royal Marines must complete an endurance course negotiating tunnels and water hazards followed by a five-mile run back to camp where they must then achieve a marksmanship score on a rifle range, all within 72 minutes. They must also complete a nine-mile speed march in 90 minutes, carrying 32lb of equipment, a 30-mile yomp within eight hours, again carrying all their fighting equipment, and an aerial assault course set several metres above the ground.

Mr Graham, a former pupil of The Hermitage School, in Chester-le-Street, said: "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.

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