A CORPORAL from Bolton will have a memorable role in the historic handover of Hong Kong to China on Monday.

Chris Naughton, aged 30, a former pupil at Blackshaw Primary School and Tonge High, has been chosen to lower the Union flag for the last time during a glittering ceremony which will be seen by millions of people around the globe.

Chris, a corporal in the Queen's Colour Squadron of the RAF, was told that he had been chosen to carry out the poignant duty when he landed in Hong Kong this week from his military base in Middlesex.

His proud mum, Pamela said: "The whole family is looking forward to the handover and will be glued to the set when the ceremony takes place. "Chris is very excited at the prospect of taking part in such an historic occasion. He will definitely have something to tell his grandchildren in years to come."

The handover will also mark the first opportunity for his family back in Bolton to video tape Chris in action.

The Queen's Colour Squadron take part in numerous military parades, including the annual ceremony at the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday.

But Pamela explained: "He's always on the wrong side of the street and never makes it on to the television."

Chris became a dad in February, when his son Joshua, was born.

Chris, one of five brothers, joined the RAF at the age of 18.

He comes from a long line of military men. His grand-father and great grand-father both served in the Lancashire Fusiliers and his father, Michael, was in the Coldstream Guards.

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