One year ago, pundits, journalists and businesses were predicting apocalypse for Hong Kong. But in the run-up to the first anniversary of the Hong Kong handover, three local residents have written exclusively for BBC News online to say life as they knew it has hardly changed at all.

"What I see now is not a colonial system seeking special benefits for British civil servants and business, but a more caring government planning for its people."

Elsie Tu: It's even better

"Instead of Chris Patten looking somewhat strained, we now have Tung Chee-hwa looking rather the same way."

Anthony Chan: A natural evolution

"Ties have not been completely severed, and there will always be an emotional bond between the people of Hong Kong and Britain."

Neil Taylor: Life goes on