A ROYAL Marine Reservist (RMR) from Crystal Palace prepared for Afghanistan by taking part in a Californian training mission.

Working at up to 12,000ft, Corporal Nigel Coleman, was one of 80 reservists who took part in the two week exercise in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

News Shopper: Corporal Nigel Coleman

The aim of exercise Commando Strike was to allow the reservists to practise the skills required in the high-altitude environment of the Afghan mountains.

News Shopper: CRYSTAL PALACE: Marine reservist in mountain training mission

Cpl Coleman, 36, said: “Mountain training in California was a mixture of yomping, working with ropes and climbing, with a field exercise at the end.

“The heat and thin air can make working at that level a real challenge.”

News Shopper: CRYSTAL PALACE: Marine reservist in mountain training mission

In 2007, Cpl Coleman deployed to Iraq, spending six months at the port of Umm Qasar, where he was part of the force protection team training the Iraqi Navy and Marines.

News Shopper: CRYSTAL PALACE: Marine reservist in mountain training mission