A ROYAL marine officer cadet died last Thursday during a 30-mile exercise across Dartmoor.

The officer under training, named by the MOD as Lieutenant Gareth Jenkins, collapsed near Princetown while attempting the tough training exercise, which marks the last major test for Royal Marine cadets undergoing the 32 week training course at the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone.

The '30-miler' is the culmination of the cadet training programme and the last in a week-long series of commando tests. They must march across Dartmoor wearing full fighting order carrying additional safety equipment, which must be completed in seven hours for officers, eight hours for recruits.

Lieutenant Jenkins was due to finish the 15-month officer training programme in December. It is believed he collapsed a few miles short of the finish line.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: 'It is with sadness and regret that we can confirm the death of Lt Gareth Jenkins, a Royal Marine officer under training at the Commando Training Centre, Lympstone.

'The thoughts and sympathies of the Naval Service are with his family and friends at this time. This incident is currently under investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further while that process continues.'