A TEENAGER will proudly “fly the flag” for Bury’s air cadets during the Remembrance Day commemoration in London.

John Thornhill, aged 17, has been selected as the national youth standard bearer for the Royal British Legion.

He will take part in the service at the capital’s Cenotaph on Sunday, November 13. He will also be involved in the Royal British Legion’s annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall the previous day.

The Holy Cross student, a member of 1036 (Bury) Squadron, Air Training Corps, was one of four youngsters who took part in the Royal British Legion national youth standard competition in Nottingham. And he was delighted when he was eventually chosen as the winner. It was the first time a cadet from Greater Manchester has taken the honours in the annual event.

Those taking part in the competition were subjected to a full inspection and had to perform a series of moves and marches.

“The competition lasted about a couple of hours and it was fantastic to have been chosen,” said John, a former pupil of St Gabriel’s RC High School. Asked what qualities such a standard bearer would require, he added: “They need self discipline, a good turn out and a smart appearance.”

John, of Standford Hall Crescent, Ramsbottom, joined Bury’s ATC four years ago, and was a member of the Air Cadets Organisation National Marching Band between 2007 and 2009 in which he played the side drum during a handful of performances nationwide.