A YOUNG recruit from Bournemouth training to be a Royal Marine has died while at the commando training centre in Lympstone, near Exeter.

Richard Campbell-Smith, 18, was two-thirds of his way through the gruelling 32-week training course when he reported that he was feeling unwell.

His condition deteriorated and he was taken to a local hospital where he died in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Richard was on week 23 of the training course aiming to secure a coveted Royal Marines' green beret.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "Richard was a bright, well-liked recruit. Our thoughts are with his family. His next of kin have been informed and there will be a post mortem to establish the cause of death."

Tributes have also been paid from Richard's former school, Winton School, which he left two years ago.

Deputy head James Simms said: "Richard was a really first class student and someone who took part fully in all aspects of school life.

"Sport was his passion and he achieved a grade A in his sports studies.

"He was also focused and committed to his academic studies and achieved in these as well.

Richard was featured in the Daily Echo in July 2001 when he and four school friends tackled a 50-mile charity ride on the Isle of Wight in aid of the Julia's House children's hospice service in Poole.

First published: November 4