The efforts of a former Wallington Grammar School pupil have been recognised by fellow Marines by awarding him the Commando medal.

Kevin Bradnick, 26, from Wallington received the award after his fellow recruits voted him as best demonstrating the Royal Marine ethos of determination, cheerfulness under adversity, courage and unselfishness.

Kevin showed these qualities throughout the gruelling 32 training schedule despite an early set back.

After failing the initial entry test into the Marines on fitness, Kevin worked extremely hard to improve his fitness and his efforts were rewarded when he joined the Royal Marines officially in May.

The Royal Marines 32-week training, notoriously the hardest infantry training in the services, ensued. Of the 55 recruits who began, only nine passed.

The recent award of the commando medal, his mother, Jacqueline, said, was as a result of her son finding his calling. She added: “Kevin has tried a few other careers but has never been happy. But in the Marines, he is happy and he is doing extremely well. His fellow marines believe so too. I am so proud of him and I’m delighted that his hard work has been rewarded. He really is an inspiration.”