David Beckham’s great grandfather was a survivor of one of the worst disasters ever to happen on Sheppey.

If 11-year-old Edward “Ted” Beckham had not been rescued from a boat that capsized on August 4, 1912, the world famous footballer would never have been born.

The Leysdown Tragedy claimed the lives of eight Scouts which included William Beckham, David’s great uncle.

Another great uncle, John Beckham survived.

The 100-year anniversary of the event was marked at Leysdown Cemetery on Saturday.

Parish Priest of Eastchurch, with Leysdown and Harty, Fr Barry Birch, led the service.

He said: “It was respectful and dignified. We had a minute’s silence which was just about at the right time of the actual sinking which was purely by chance.”

About 70 people attended including around 30 Scouts from Eastchurch and Sittingbourne.

Tom Redman from the Sheppey Coastguard gave a talk about the tragedy.

Wreaths were laid and crosses with the names of each of the Scouts who died were planted in the ground in front of the memorial at the site.

The ceremony was held to coincide with one at Nunhead Cemetery in south east London, which was attended by Leysdown parish councillor, Geoff Partis.