AS the capture of Saddam Hussein was broadcast around the world, one Bolton man was on the fringe of all the dramatic action.

Just before Christmas, Ronald Bell found himself in war-torn Iraq, part of a US-led delegation aimed at assessing the country's political future.

The 56-year-old, from Westhoughton, was in the Iraqi capital Baghdad to help set up a democratic government in the aftermath of the 2003 Allied invasion.

As well as meeting representatives from over 200 fledgling political parties, Mr Bell witnessed history when he saw the reaction of Iraqis to the arrest of Saddam Hussein on December 13. He was just miles from Saddam's lair when the ex-dictator was found.

"The mood in the country was one of overall relief," he told us.

As one of the first few Western civilians to set foot on Iraqi soil after the fall of the oppressive regime, Mr Bell knew he was taking a risk.

A surge in guerilla-style bombings on Western non-military targets, including the Red Cross, made the state a treacherous destination for visitors.

But Mr Bell, who was working as a political consultant with the US Republican party, insists he felt safe throughout the trip.

"The organisation supports democracy across the world and we were out there to assess the political situation looking ahead to a transition to better and more democratic times," he said.

"That involved us talking to key members from some of the 200 parties that have already sprung up since the end of the war.

"It was certainly a very interesting trip. The impression that a lot of people have is that a lot of the country is bombed out, but that's not the case. The main problem being faced is getting services up and running again."

Despite the constant bursts of gunfire throughout his stay, Mr Bell says he found the city to be welcoming.

"I felt safer than I expected," he said. "Obviously there is a need to be very careful in these situations and you wouldn't go out alone.

"The people were very warm and friendly and wanted to talk and pass on information."

It is the third trip by Mr Bell, a senior member of Westhoughton Rotary Club, to recovering war zones. The last ten years have taken him to Sierra Leone and the Balkans.

He said: "It was a bit hectic returning just before Christmas on December 21. But it gave me time to reflect on the visit.

"I am hoping to go back out later this year but we haven't got any dates planned.

"The outlook is very difficult to predict at the moment but there are a lot of people who are working very hard to try and make it better."

Mr Bell will be giving a talk to Westhoughton Rotary Club on March 18 at Greenfields Private Members Club.