A WESTON man who is training as a Royal Marine has been presented with a gold Duke of Edinburgh award by Prince Philip.

Lee Howell, aged 20, was honoured for his efforts and community spirit at a ceremony in St James’s Palace in London on November 2.

His proud parents, Paul and Diana, of Jasmine Way, were there to watch the presentation.

Paul, aged 58, said: “Lee joined the cadets when he was 12 and even after he left he still went back to help the youngsters.

“We are very proud and over the moon that he has achieved his gold award.”

Lee went to school at Broadoak Mathematics and Computing College and studied his A-levels at Weston College.

He is currently based at Lympstone Commando Training Centre, near Exmouth in Devon.