A charity set up in memory of a young Royal Marine is on course to have given away a remarkable £1m to young people to achieve their dreams and ambitions.

Lt John Thornton lost his life in Afghanistan in 2008 aged 21.

In the wake of the tragedy, his parents Peter and Linda established the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation based in Ferndown where John lived and went to school.

The charity was set up at the very first air festival that year and at this year’s event £7,500 was raised at the annual VIP hospitality day.

John’s dad Pete told the Echo that JTYAF had exceeded the family's wildest expectations.

"We thought when we started maybe the charity would go on for three years maximum and we might raise £30,000 or so.

"Fourteen years on, we have given out something like £920,000 and I think by the end of next year we will have reached the £1m mark, that would be our hope anyway.

"So far more that 2,000 young people have benefitted and been able to achieve things that they would not have been able and that is a wonderful to see."

The work of JTYAF was more important than ever because of the cost of living crisis where money was tight for many families he said.

Mr Thornton said the work of JTYAF would go on beyond the £1m milestone.

He joked: "What else I am going to do? We will carry on as long as we physically can."

The charity has been run from the couple's Ferndown home since the beginning.

"I am sure John would be in awe at what has been achieved in his name, lots of young people fulfilling their dreams, goals and ambitions just like John did. It really is a legacy."