SUNDAY will be a special day for former soldier Colin "Charlie" Helmn.

He will be among dozens of former Green Howards gathering at the regimental museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire, for a reunion they know as Richmond Sunday.

He will also be singled out for special honours, both to recognise his family's long connection with the regiment and his own bravery in action in Malaya 50 years ago.

After training at Strensall, near York, Colin was posted to the Far East within months of joining the Green Howards on national service.

He saw action almost immediately and was promoted to lance corporal to lead small patrols into the jungle, where British forces faced Communist terrorists attempting to destabalise the colony.

Within a year, he had been credited with half-a-dozen "kills" and was recommended for a Military Medal for sustained bravery in dangerous conditions.

This weekend, Colin will be awarded a Gold Badge to mark a 50-year association with the regiment. A painting of him in action in Malaya is also to be included in a collection of postcards, depicting the Green Howards' history from 1688 to the present day.

However, the Helmn association looks set to continue for many more years to come.

Colin, who now lives in Darlington, has two sons serving with the regiment today - both with the nick-name "Charlie".

"It started when someone saw the initial C on my trunk when I arrived in Malaya, guessed my name might be Charlie and then it just stuck. However, I sometimes joke it also reflects what hunting folk call the fox,'' said Colin.