GLOBE trotter Ann Wearden has just flown in from Hong Kong after watching the official hand-over ceremony which returned the island to Chinese rule.

The traveller extraordinaire who lives in Oakwood Drive, Fulwood, Preston, was determined to be at the hand-over celebrations having spent so many happy times there in the past.

"I wanted to see it while it was still British," said Ann nostalgically.

And as she sipped on champagne at midnight before Governor Chris Patton sailed away with Prince Charles, she said there was many a tear shed by the natives.

"It was all very emotional," said 76-year-old Ann: "Especially when they brought the Union Jack down and they played auld lang syne. Everybody cried.

"But I felt very proud because it wasn't just a case of turn out the light and leave the key under the mat - we went out in style!"

Ann, a retired sub-post mistress who used to work in Stanley Street, Preston, met up with old friends from all over the world, including Australia and the Far East.

She added: "I don't think there will be any changes in the immediate future because the eyes of the world are on it.

"But the day after when thousands of troops paraded, it struck a chord with all of us," she said. Ann is now planning her next expedition across South America.

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