A FORMER East Lancashire schoolboy will be seen by millions of people around the world when he takes a leading part in the Trooping the Colour.

Lance Corporal Craig Bell has been picked to be the 'lone drummer' at this year's glamorous ceremony.

He will beat his drum for 30 seconds in front of a crowd of thousands, a worldwide television audience and Her Majesty the Queen.

L/Cpl Bell was born in Blackburn and attended St Augustine's School in Billington.

He has served for 10 years with the Scots Guards stationed at Windsor and his tour of duties include Northern Ireland, Germany, Canada and the Gulf. He recently undertook a tour of Belfast where he was a team commander and passed a course which will earn him promotion.

He has been married for five years to wife Nicole, whom he met during his service in Germany.

His proud parents, Alan and Pauline Bell, of Pasturelands Drive, Billington, and seven-year-old niece Heather, will travel to London for the event on June 14.

Mrs Bell said: "We're getting very excited about it and keeping our fingers crossed he doesn't break his leg before the big day!

"It's a tremendous honour for him and I think he was picked because of his length of service."

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