The face of a teenager who is one of only a small elite number to make the grade as a Royal Marine Commando will be seen by thousands.

Adam Whiteoak, 18, of Sutton, was one of only six out of 56 to get through the gruelling seven- month training course at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon.

The former South Craven student's training included using firearms, survival exercises on Dartmoor, amphibious training and a 30-mile cross country march.

Now he has been caught on camera suffering the aches and pains of his tough training schedule for a national advertising campaign to attract new recruits to the Marines.

And his tortured expression is genuine; his father Stuart says the picture was not posed but taken on an actual training exercise.

The fitting slogan is: 'You've never known so much pain. Want to know more? 99.99 per cent need not apply.'

The advertising campaign is being staged through the press, radio and on-line, and is being supported with cinema slots.

Tony Harris, managing partner at Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R - which devised the campaign - said: "We set out to create some really challenging work that did justice to the toughness and resolve of the Royal Marines and fitted with their premium positioning as Britain's elite fighting force.

"I think we have achieved that."

Adam, who used to play football for Cross Hills and Steeton, was also presented with a special physical training medal when he 'passed out' on December 7 as a member of the elite 807 Troop the King's Squad.

The King's badge is not always awarded - it is only given if a recruit measures up to the very exacting standards required.

The badge was introduced on the direction of King George V when he visited the Depot Royal Marines in 1918. The Queen approved the custom which allowed the privilege to continue.

But his biggest pride is in finally being able to wear the much-coveted green beret.

Dad Stuart and mum Hazel say: "He has proved a lot of people wrong - even his teachers at school." Their son has now been posted to Arbroath in Scotland and is on 24 hour standby to fight anywhere in the world.

Picture, left, shows the national advertisement and, above, Adam after his 'passing out' parade.