Last Post bugler returns to village for 50th time

Niall Roberts started playing the Last Post in Pembridge in 1975

When Niall Roberts picks up his bugle on Sunday to play the Last Post at a village's Remembrance Sunday service, it will be the 50th year in a row he has done it.

He grew up in Pembridge, Herefordshire and, despite life taking him to live in Surrey now, he still makes the journey to play once a year.

"Each year I pick the instrument back up in November to take part and I’m very grateful to be able to contribute. It’s very important to me," he said.

Despite making the commitment every year since 1975, he added he was ready to pass on the role.

"It would be amazing if a younger person wanted to take it up and continue to respect, understand and contribute to the Remembrance process," Mr Roberts said.

His efforts will be recognised on Sunday as, with his family and friends present, the Royal British Legion will give him a certificate of merit.

Graham Hudson, from the local branch of the legion, said his annual playing was "an example of a younger generation still committed to Remembrance".

Mr Roberts said he was honoured to be taking part in the services

Making the annual journey had not always been easy for the 61-year-old as he said events in life had to be overcome.

"Academic exams, being away at university, working away in London, family commitments, travel issues and poor weather," he gave as examples.

It all began as Mr Roberts, who went to Pembridge CE Primary School, said he was moved at the time to take part in the local Remembrance event.

When he was 12, he was nominated for the role: "I started to learn how to play the trumpet two years before and my band-master put my name forward and I haven’t looked back.

"[It's] really humbling to be part of a Remembrance of the community where I grew up."