A PACKED Wembley Arena on Saturday December 1 paid tribute to Bolton pensioner Tom Parnell for his bravery in saving some of the world's best loved and most prized animals.

War hero Tom, aged 84, will receive the gratitude of an entire nation for returning their most prized possessions as part of a mission that would make James Bond green with envy.

PHIL GREEN spoke to Tom about the mission that has made him the toast of Austria. THE Austrian winter bit hard for Bolton soldier Tom Parnell as he wound his way up a mountain slope in the dead of night.

The Tonge Moor lad had come a long way since his early years working with horses at Old Hall Farm, Heaton.

But it was his love of horses, and his skill with the animals, that found him deep in the former occupied heartland on a mission so secret even he had little idea of its gravity or from where his orders came.

Decades later, Tom's daring night-time exploits were to earn him the gratitude of an entire nation and honours usually only bestowed on royalty.

For when Tom reached the end of his mountain trail he found himself face-to-face with a team of magnificent white stallions -- the world-famous Lippizanners, the pride of Austria.

The Austrian people had secreted their beloved stallions in the mountain caves to save them from the German invaders.

And now it was Tom's job to return them safely to the Imperial Palace in Vienna on the orders of General Patton himself.

Tonight, Chelsea Pensioner Tom will be the guest of honour at a special performance of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna at Wembley Arena.

And from his prized position in the Royal Box he will see the direct descendants of the horses he saved all those years ago.

The world famous show will come to a halt, the spotlight will fall on Tom, and Austrian ambassador Dr Alexander Christiani will lead the tributes.

Tom, a former pupil of Tonge Moor and Castle Hill schools, enlisted in the Duke of Lancaster's Yeomanry at the age of 16.

During the war he was to rise to the rank of squadron sergeant major with the Hussars and serve in India, Italy and Yugoslavia.

But his adventures in Austria at the end of the war will stay with him forever.

HE was stationed close to Graz where he worked with the local foresters each day. And his familiarity with the locals and their respect for him made him the top choice for the clandestine mission.

"I was told to prepare two three-ton trucks for four horses," he said. "My colonel was an international polo player, so I thought I would be collecting some polo ponies.

"I was accompanied by one of the foresters, who led us to the mountain caves, and there were the horses.

"I had no idea how valuable these horses were to these people, or the lengths they went to in order to ensure their safety."

While the Germans were no longer a threat, Tom's main worry was his Russian allies who, it was thought, would be unaware of the value of the stallions and -- with rations being in short supply -- eat them.

But he returned them safely to Vienna and subsequently fell in love with the city.

Now a resident at the world famous Chelsea Hospital, Tom's achievements came to light after he struck up a friendship with hospital worker Bill Barlow.

"Tom told me this incredible tale and I thought we must do something about it," said Mr Barlow.

"I contacted the Austrian authorities and the wheels were put in motion."

Earlier this week, strapping pensioner Tom -- whose stature defies his 84 years -- was guest of honour at a dinner held by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers where he met the Austrian ambassador and the Spanish School riders.

"It was a wonderful occasion," said Tom. "You could say it's been a busy week!

"But tonight will be the best of all. To see the horses from the same heritage as the ones I saved will be a dream come true."

Although Tom has lived in London for many years, he still regularly returns home to visit his brother Harold, aged 80, who lives on Crompton Way.

He added: "I have seen a few changes in the town over the years but I'll always be a Bolton lad at heart."

And as for his Austrian honours he said: "The mission was like something James Bond would have done, but I was happy I could be there to save these animals.

"I have loved horses since I was a lad. I suppose it's all come full circle."