A YOUNG sailor from the North-East was given the honour of taking part in the Queen's golden jubilee parade in London.

Christopher Parker, 18, from Newton Aycliffe, was selected to join other Royal Naval personnel in providing the guard of honour for the Queen's parade through London.

Christopher, a former pupil at Woodham Comprehensive School, also took part in the street lining parade and colour parties which formed part of the royal tribute.

The sailors spent two weeks training for the event at the parade ground at the Royal Navy shore base HMS Sultan, in Gosport, Hampshire.

As well as honing their skills, the sailors practised precision marching, bearing arms, colour presentation and ceremonial sword handling.

Christopher is an operator mechanic and has been in the Royal Navy for 12 months, serving at HMS Dryad, in Portsmouth.