The town gathered yesterday to watch a rugby match in memory of the eleven Royal Marines musicians who lost their lives in the IRA bombing of Deal Barracks 25 years ago.

Deal and Betteshanger Lions took on the Royal Marines Band Service team on The Drill Field in Canada Road, winning 40-14.

Steve Castle, director of communication at Deal and Betteshanger, said: “This is the 25th anniversary of the game. I was at secondary school in Sandwich when the barracks was bombed.

"There was no underestimating the effect it had on the community but it wasn’t until I started playing rugby for Deal Wanderers that I learned of the close relationship the club had with the Marines."

For the full match report and pictures, see the Mercury on Thursday.