A captain in the Army has become the first woman to win a coveted Green Beret.

Capt Pip Tattersall (27), of the Adjutant General's Corps, completed the arduous All Arms Commando Course at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) at Lympstone in Devon.

The course is open to trained ranks from all three Services, male and female, who wish to serve with 3 Commando Brigade.

She passed her Commando tests on Friday May 31 and was awarded her Green Beret - although that does not qualify her to join the Royal Marines; qualification for the Green Beret does not automatically make the successful candidates members of the Corps.

Capt Tattersall first attempted the course in March of last year, but was withdrawn in Week 7 of the eight-week course.

Her second attempt in July 2001 ended when a back injury prevented her from continuing the training.

She returned for a final attempt last month, rejoining the course at Week 5.

Her success means Pip is now eligible to work in either combat support or combat service support areas of 3 Commando Brigade.

As is traditional, Capt Tattersall will continue to wear her parent unit's cap badge, but on a green beret.

In order to join the Royal Marines, a candidate would have to join the Corps as a recruit or an officer, and complete a six-month basic training course (recruits) or a year-long course for officers.