Girlfriend lends a hand at drooping the colour

ON the sultriest day of the year so far it was no wonder that this horse guard from the Household Cavalry was feeling the heat.

However, he was fortunate to have his girlfriend on hand to mop his fevered brow as he guarded the entrance of Horseguards Parade in Whitehall where temperatures hit 32C.

The young soldier, from the Blues and Royals regiment, was handed three tissues by the young lady, who was concerned about his sweating shortly before midday yesterday - a move which breaks accepted protocol. Telling passers-by she was his girlfriend, she sat beside him chatting.

An MoD source said: "In extreme temperatures the amount of time on guard can be reduced and water is available. But he still shouldn't be accepting gifts."