Commissioner Tsang Yam-pui joined Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, senior SAR Government officials and hundreds of local dignitaries in the flag raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square, outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wanchai.

The flag raising party, provided by the Force, comprised a Senior Inspector, four JPO flag raisers and 12 rifle escorts.

Providing the guards of honour were officers from five disciplined services, namely the Hong Kong Police Force, Correctional Services Department, Fire Services Department, Customs and Excise Department and Immigration Department.

The Police Band, as usual, provided music for the flag raising ceremony and the march past.

Apart from the ceremony, scores of Police officers were also busy outside the venue ensuring the ceremony was carried out smoothly.

Hundreds of other frontline officers were also on hand in the evening to manage hundreds of thousands of spectators who flocked to both sides of Victoria harbour to watch a spectacular fireworks display.