A FORMER Swindon pupil has joined the world's elite fighting force after being awarded the coveted Green Beret.

Richard McEwen, 20, from South Marston completed 30 weeks of the hardest initial training in the world and is now a Royal Marines Commando.

The former Kingsdown School pupil is now at the heart of the UK's Joint Rapid Reaction Force, and will travel the world.

Richard 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 that is to finish training as a Royal Marines Commando and to be awarded the Green Beret.

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

To find out more about becoming a Royal Marines Commando call 08456075555 or visit the website at

www.rmjobs.co.uk