A unique ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert will commemorate the historic links between the county’s historic regiment, the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, and Lostwithiel Town Band.

The story behind this unique event was unearthed by John Phillips, a volunteer at Cornwall’s Regimental Museum based at the former DCLI headquarters in Bodmin.

He discovered that in 1956, Lostwithiel Town Band was asked to become the official Band of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry Territorial Army.

They agreed and went on to carry out many engagements for the regiment, including numerous charity performances and countless civic occasions.

They also went to the annual regimental camps, took part in military training and notably, played before the Queen and Queen Mother.

In 1967 there were massive cuts to the Territorial Army and the band sadly gave its last concert in its military capacity, although as the town band they have continued to thrive.

Now, on June 30 at St Petroc’s Church in Bodmin, the unique ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert will take place.

The concert, under director of music, Norman Pendray, will feature many well-loved favourite tunes and will raise funds to support the preservation of the heritage of the county regiment at Cornwall’s Regimental Museum.

Two brothers, Bernard and Malcolm Hicks, who were in the regimental band in 1956 still play in Lostwithiel Town Band today and they will be playing at the concert.

The soloist is Karen Hurn, a well-known singer alongside a successful career in Barclays corporate banking.

Karen is a dedicated charity fund-raiser and thanks to her, Barclays has pledged £1,000 towards the concert’s fund-raising.

Tickets are available from the Regimental Museum on 01208 72810 or on the night.