A Blue Plaque has been raised for former Royal Marines principal director of music, Sir Vivian Dunn, at his former home in Deal’s North Barracks.

The plaque, commissioned by the Deal Society, was unveiled at Hougoumount - now the home of councillors Paul and Sue Le Chevalier.

Lt Col Graham Hoskins, another former principal director of music RM, performed the unveiling in front of a crowd of more than 50 people and 14 members of Betteshanger Colliery Welfare Band, who played on the patio.

Lt Col Hoskins said: “My career in the Royal Marines was hugely influenced by Sir Vivian from the 1950s until he retired on Christmas Eve 1968.

“I was promoted to be a Lieutenant in the Royal Marines Band Service on the very next day, Christmas Day 1968, to fill a position at the bottom of the ladder that his retirement from the top had facilitated.”

Two of Sir Vivian Dunn’s Daughters, Rosey Foster and Leonie Lithgow attended with their families from Surrey and Hornchurch respectively.

Mrs Foster and Mrs Lithgow had lived in G House - as it was then known - in the 1950s.

Also present was Lew Cooper, a former RM musician who had played under Sir Vivian Dunn.

Deal Society blue plaques are affixed to properties of historical significance telling residents and visitors of famous and influential people who resided in them.