A TEENAGER from Bury has become the youngest person to become the Deputy National Standard Bearer for the Royal British Legion.

Freddie Bearn had to rearrange the location of his geography A Level exam so that he could compete in the Royal British Legion Standard Bearers competition in Eastbourne.

The 17-year-old, who is also studying Latin, history and French at Bury Grammar School Boys had to sit his paper at Eastbourne College School and go straight to the national competition.

In a field on nine competitors from Northern Ireland, Wales and various English counties Freddie came second place to Norman Esbie.

The competition involved an examination and drill which had to be carried out to a very high standard.

After coming second in the competition Freddie will now have the honour of carrying the National Standard at the Royal Albert Hall in November at an event attended by the Queen.

In addition to this he will also be part of parade in London which will mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

Freddie said: "I feel very honoured to have been made the Deputy National Standard Bearer, I worked very hard for the competition and I'll carry it proudly no doubt at occasions throughout the year, especially in front of The Queen at the Albert Hall in November."

Whilst at the competition and conference Freddie was invited to give a speech and he decided to address the group on youth matters.

He said: "One of the proudest moments of my life was to have been charged to carry the National Youth Standard for the Royal British Legion, at the Festival of Remembrance, at the Royal Albert Hall last November; especially in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen.

"I was very conscious that what I was undertaking was not about me looking as smart as I possibly could on parade; important though that was.

"No, it was about the Standard and what it represents. Loyalty to the Crown, the Union Flag, the Gold and the Blue all symbolising sacrifice , duty, honour, service and tradition.

"It also represents young people; not just young people who are in the legion, but young people from my family, and many, many other families all over the United Kingdom; men and women, who have served the cause of freedom and paid the ultimate price."

He continued: "I am a young person. I understand what the emblems we wear and carry represent and what they mean. I understand how they should be safeguarded and treasured. I understand the cost of sacrifice.

"Friends of our family have been killed in Northern Ireland and in Iraq; friends of ours continue to serve.

"There are so many good young people out there who need to be encouraged to join the legion and to ensure that the torch is passed on to safe hands. Young people need to be made to feel and know that this is an organisation for them."