AN 11-year-old from Honiton has been awarded the top prize at a passing out ceremony with the Royal Marine Volunteer Cadets.

AN 11-year-old from Honiton has been awarded the top prize at a passing out ceremony with the Royal Marine Volunteer Cadets.

William Copley, of Banfield Way, was awarded the Mc Chance Trophy for Best Overall Recruit at the Commando Training Centre, Lympstone.

He is pictured receiving the trophy from Lieutenant colonel N W Bruce-Jones RM.

William, a former pupil at Awliscombe Primary School, said he was very surprised but honoured to receive the award.

Both his parents formerly served in the Royal Navy. His father is a veteran of both the Falkland and Gulf wars.