A SCHOOL in Africa has been named after a Ferndown Royal Marine who was killed in Afghanistan at the age of 22.

The John Thornton Presby Junior High School in Ghana is transforming the lives of its young pupils.

The school is one of the projects supported by the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation.

And this summer it will receive more support from the foundation when it supports a Royal Air Force Air Cadets Junior Leaders expedition.

John, a former pupil of Ferndown Upper School, graduated as the top cadet on the course before joining the Marines.

Since it was established in 2008, the foundation has provided financial backing for the RAFAC's expeditions.

Pete, John's dad, said: "This is very good use of the foundation's money. There is still work to do on the school and we were really proud when we found out it had been named after John."

In July a group of 10 Qualified Junior Leaders will travel to the rural and isolated village of Obom where they will join established charities to convert the shell of the school into a finished building.

Works will include plastering, rendering and painting as well as creating walkways and safe access.

Members of the team will fly to Accra from Heathrow on July 30.

The foundation has raised more than half a million pounds since it was established in 2008.

In May it will hold a charity football match which will see AFC Bournemouth Legends play against a special Armed Forces X1. Tickets are available at jtyaf.org