AN 18-year-old from Pershore has received a top honour after completing a 32-week training course to become a Royal Marines commando.

Arthur Williams (left), a former pupil of Worcester College of Technology, passed out at the commando training centre, Lympstone in Devon, with 884 troop on May 27. On top of this, Arthur was selected as the best all round recruit in his troop and was awarded the King's Badge. He will be able to wear this on the left shoulder of all uniforms throughout his career in the Royal Marines, in any rank.

Arthur said: "The training is hard and challenging which is why I chose the Royal Marines. But everything we do is progressive to enable people with all standards of fitness to achieve the final goal of finishing the training and serve as a Royal Marines commando."

He added "It's been a fantastic experience and it doesn't stop here for me. When I join up with the 42 Commando Royal Marines I could deploy anywhere in the world. As a commando I can operate on land, sea or air which is what makes it so exciting."

The Kings Badge dates back to King George V, who directed that the senior recruit squad in Royal Marines training would be known as the King's squad. He also directed that the best all- round recruit would be awarded the King's Badge, provided he was worthy of the honour.

Arthur's mother Jane Williams commented "We couldn't be more proud of how Arthur has performed during his training period. It really is a great honour to be chosen as the best recruit in the squad and we're so happy for him."