A MUSICAL extravaganza witnessed by over 200 guests threatened to blow the roof right off Foakes Hall. Great Dunmow s version of the last night of the proms was held last Saturday in memory of war heroes to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the D-Day land

A MUSICAL extravaganza witnessed by over 200 guests threatened to blow the roof right off Foakes Hall.

Great Dunmow's version of the last night of the proms was held last Saturday in memory of war heroes to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

War veterans Tom Cowell, 85, and John Bridges, 85, who served with the Navy and Army respectively, joined in the singing and flag waving along with every other member of the packed audience.

David Green, one of a dedicated team of organisers, said that the night was "really magnificent" and has vowed to do it all again next year.

"The hall was heaving," he said. "The audience was filled with people both young and old and they all enjoyed music from the excellent Essex Yeomanry Band. We raised well over �1000 which we are all delighted with.

"The real highlight was the superb traditional ending - Land of Hope and Glory was played as everyone including our town mayor joined in."

Money collected on the evening and from ticket sales will be presented to the Royal British Legion Welfare Fund and the Help for Heroes Fund in the near future.

Mr Green paid tribute to all the people that helped organise the event including Rev David Ainge, compare for the evening, and members of the Dunmow Rotary Club.

He added: "Everyone put in a great effort and we would all like to say a big thank you to the band because they made it a night to remember.