A FORMER military musician is honoured to have been asked to arrange Remembrance Day events in Southend.

Mayor’s officer and mace bearer Adam Tregoning, 47, has been working tirelessly to make sure everything is in place for Armistice Day - 100 years on from the end of the First World War.

Mr Tregoning works with a number of organisations for the event including the carnival committee.

He said: “I work to make sure everyone is at the right place at the right time and everyone knows where the should be.

“This year the event is bigger than before due to the centenary of the end of the First World War.

“It is such an important event because we must remember all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us to live the way we do today.

“If all those servicemen and women hadn’t have made that sacrifice we would not be able to live the way we do today.

“For me to be able to work on such an event is such a huge and fantastic privilege.

“I served in the Army as a musician playing the flute for 25 years, so it holds a special place in my heart.”

He explained, having served in the Armed Forces, he can appreciate the ultimate sacrifice made by so many.

He added: “I have held this role since 2012 and I did not expect to be playing a part in the annual event of respect when I was in the Armed Forces as a musician.

“Everything is going really well and this week we have been really busy making sure all the last minute preparation is done.

“We prepare for this all through the year to make sure everyone is in the right place at the right time and everyone knows where they should be.”

He said a lot of work is carried out to make sure everyone can pay their respects this weekend in the way they would wish.

Mr Tregoning said he also works with other organisations in the run up to the event including the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association.

Dozens of services and events will be held during the next four days with record numbers expected.

The Remembrance services are for all who have died during conflicts but the centenary has added extra significance.

l In tomorrow’s Echo there will be a 40 page Armistice special for readers. On Monday there will be eight pages from services with another four pages on Tuesday.