A former Southminster man believes he could be the oldest musician to play in two prestigious military ceremonies.

Ed Wagstaff will perform with the Vancouver Police Pipe Band at the Beating Retreat in London and Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, both in June.

He said: "This is an honour normally accorded only to military bands, but special permission was granted by the British Army Household Division in order for our band to celebrate our 100 years of continuous service in the city of Vancouver.

"Turning the age of 75 this year I could become the oldest player ever to perform in these events."

Mr Wagstaff, who used to live on the West House estate and attended Maldon Grammar School, emigrated to Canada in 1969 but still has family in the Burnham area.