The former chairman of the Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust has released an autobiography featuring a first-hand account of the IRA bombing in 1989.

John Perkins is best known in Deal for his chairman tenure as well as being compere of the annual Royal Marines concert and his Classic FM Hall of Fame recording of the Ashokan Farewell.

'A Musical Life in the Royal Marines: The Memoirs of Major John Perkins' is described as a powerful personal reflection, and also a window into a bygone age, with many anecdotes and photos of the Royal Family, up close and personal.

Born in 1950 in the town, Major Perkins' career spanned the second half of the twentieth century starting at the age of 14 when he joined the Royal Marines.

He rose through all ranks to become the director of Music of the Royal Band, retiring in the 2000 at the rank of Major.

Along the way were seven years travelling the world with HM The Queen in HMY Britannia, as well as many musical highlights as a conductor and violinist around the globe.

The paperback not only details these experiences but also a first-hand account of life in the Royal Marine band service in Deal.

This includes the bombing of the barracks by the IRA on September 22, 1989 which killed 11 musicians.

Major Perkins' recording of ‘The Ashokan Farewell’ sold over one million copies and is believed to be the highest selling military band recording of all time.

It remains a firm favourite with Classic FM ‘Hall of Fame’ listeners 25 years after being recorded.

The foreword is provided by the Admiral of the Fleet, the Lord Boyce, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.

It is available to buy now from Amazon for £9.99.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal