A YOUNG man who studied at Shebbear College has just received his coveted Green Beret after spending a year on one of the most arduous military training packages in the world.

Lucas Bland, 19, attended Shebbear College and is now a Royal Marine Commando. He finished training at the Commando Training Centre near Exmouth with 154 Troop on June 14.

The final hurdle in recruit training is a 30 mile speed march across Dartmoor. Speed marching requires a combination of marching and running, carrying 32 pounds of weight.

During the challenge, Lucas marched from Okehampton Camp to near Plymouth in eight hours.

On the challenge he had the added company of his stepfather, Csgt Lee Collins, beside him throughout the entire speed march. Lee, 42, has served for 23 years in the Royal Marines.

Lucas said: 'Training had been difficult and I have had plenty of highs and lows but the most amusing thing was seeing my step-dad suffering keeping up on the 30-miler.

'Marine training has helped me progress physically and mentally. I have had lots of good times, but the biggest highlight was having my Green Beret presented to me by my step-dad at the end of the 30-miler.'

Csgt Collins said: 'Both Lucas' mum Lyn and I are very proud of him and his achievements, especially his perseverance to overcome injury and complete training.'

During training, Lucas suffered a suspected lower leg stress fracture and had to go into the recruit rehabilitation programme until he was fit to rejoin training. Stress fractures occasionally happen to recruits during training and often come from speed marching in boots and carrying weights.

Lucas will now go to the Driver Training School at Leconsfield where he will get his HGV licence and learn to drive a variety of military vehicles. He will then join 40 Commando Royal Marines based near Taunton.