FROM troublemaker with a prison record to soldier in the Parachute Regiment and role model to young people in his community, Mark Marshman has turned his life around - and the 22-year-old's efforts have earned him a Prince's Trust Award.

Mr Marshman, from Abertillery, scooped the Young Achiever of the Year Award at last night's Prince's Trust Cymru Celebrate Success Awards, in Cardiff, having impressed judges with the way he beat the odds to make something positive of his life.

He currently serves in the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment after following his brother Jack into the Army. But not so long ago, the future looked much bleaker as he drifted through life, abusing alcohol and getting into trouble.

Anti-social behaviour, a prison record for fighting, and unemployment were among the low points in his life before, through his youth worker, he became involved in Tillery Combat, an Abertillery martial arts group that received cash backing from the Prince's Trust.

Mr Marshman began training with the group, transforming his fitness, developing his confidence and skills, and winning medals across Wales and England.

Through his dedication he began to be responsible for helping run the club, and his attitude led to an offer from an older club member of a job in his double glazing company.

After his brother joined up, Mr Marshman decided to apply his new fitness and discipline toward following in his footsteps.

"Becoming involved in Tillery Combat completely changed my life," he said.

"Before, I was drifting, had been in prison, was abusing alcohol and getting into trouble. I am now fit and healthy and I would never have believed it was possible for me to achieve any of these things.

"I'm so glad the Prince’s Trust supported the club, and I'm very proud of how it is supporting young people in the area and helping to keep them out of trouble too."