Crowds have again flocked to Walmer Green in Deal for the annual concert by the Band of HM Royal Marines.

A spectacular musical line-up, including an awe inspiring flypast by the RAF Spitfire and Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, paved the way before HM Royal Marines Collingwood opened with the National Anthem.

Speaking before the concert began, John Perkins, chairman of Deal memorial Bandstand Trust, said: "The first spectators turned up as early as 8am to set up their chairs and get the best spot."

Among them was Carol Jones and Peter Egan who drove to Walmer this morning from Banstead, Surrey. They chose their spot after enjoying breakfast at the Cafe on the Green.

Mrs Jones said: "We come here every year and normally stay for the weekend. "We drove the hour and a half journey this morning to get the best seats."

Deal brings back memories for Mr Egan, whose father was a Royal Marine who completed his training here in the 1950s.

Music is one of his loves, having played the trumpet as a lad in the Royal British Legion Marching Band in Serbiton.

Conductor, Lt Col Nick Grace OBE RM said: I am once again delighted to return with the Band of HM Royal Marines for our annual concert on the Deal Bandstand. This year the concert will be performed by HM Royal Marines Collingwood and their director of music Major Andy Thornhill.

"This will be the first time Maj Thornhill has joined me and conducted on the Deal bandstand."

The concerts, which are held every year at the memorial bandstand, give residents and visitors the chance to remember the 11 bandsmen who were killed in the bombing of Deal Barracks by the IRA on September 22, 1989.

The bandstand was erected with 11 sides, to remember each of the men: Mick Ball, 24, Andy Cleatheroe, 25, Trevor Davis, 39, Richard Fice, 22, Richard 'Taff' Jones, 27, David 'Mac' McMillan, 26, Chris Nolan, 21, Dean Pavey, 31, Mark Petch, 26, Tim Reeves, 24, Bob Simmonds, 34.