Lord Tebbit 'jostled by a Chinese dragon'

Tory peer Norman Tebbit got "jostled by a dragon" and grabbed at a drum as he tried to stop noisy Chinese New Year celebrations, it was reported today.

The 78-year-old told the Daily Mirror that the parade made a "dreadful noise" outside his home in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, and he did not realise what was happening.

Lord Tebbit said: "I had heard a dreadful noise and went outside and found the street blocked. I did not realise it was Chinese New Year.

"I put my hands on the Chinese drum to try and stop the noise. I got my knuckles rapped for my pains.

"I then got jostled by a dragon. I have never been jostled by a dragon before. I gave it a shove, then got on my way."

Organiser Patrick Chung, who is a Tory councillor for the town, told the newspaper that Lord Tebbit kicked the dragon in the bottom during the celebration last Tuesday.

He said: "There was a child inside the dragon costume and he was kicking the dragon's bottom.

"He ran after the dragon and kicked it. The child was upset. He did not know what was happening."

Mr Chung said that he has held the celebration outside his restaurant for more than 20 years.

He and Lord Tebbit discussed what had happened and resolved things amicably.

The peer said: "I forgave Mr Chung and will not be taking this any further. I did also apologise for my behaviour."