A retired wing commander is paying tribute to his late father by bringing his RAF band to play at a concert in Hunstanton.

Chris Mackie was well-known as a popular speaker and personality in west Norfolk, and was deeply involved with the archaeological dig at Sedgeford, from its inception in 1986 until his death in 2014.

His younger son, Kevin Mackie, has organised a concert in his memory to be performed by the RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band, of which he is the president and solo euphoniumist.

During his last illness, Mr Mackie was cared for nurses from The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House, and all proceeds from the concert will go to the charity.

His son said: 'We are so pleased to be holding this concert as a tribute to my late father, and to raise funds for the Norfolk Hospice Tapping House, whose wonderfully caring and compassionate staff made Dad's last days as comfortable as possible, allowing him to pass away in his own home with dignity, surrounded by his loving family.

'The RAF Wyton Voluntary Band is renowned for its excellent concerts and this promises to be an evening to remember.'

Mark Shea, commercial director at The Norfolk Hospice, said it was a 'real privilege' to have the band performing.

He added: 'It has been wonderful to work with Kevin and Mary – Mr Mackie's wife – who have put so much effort into organising the concert in memory of Chris.

'As well as performing military classics, the band will also be performing songs from musicals such as Phantom of the Opera.'

Mr Mackie came to Heacham as an evacuee during the second world war and grew to love the area.

After a long career in the RAF, he returned to Norfolk in the 1980s, firstly to live and work at Felbrigg Hall, near Cromer, and then as an accountant in Heacham.

In the 1990s he had a long association with the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton, and with the theatre club, both on and off stage.

He became a keen student of local history and amassed an extensive archive of material on Heacham, its river valley, and the Sedgeford dig.

The RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band is based in Cambridgeshire and comprises a group of enthusiastic volunteer musicians from the East of England catchment area of RAF Wyton, RAF Henlow, RAF Marham, RAF Wittering and RAF Chicksands.

The concert will take place at the Town Hall, Hunstanton, on Saturday, February 27, starting at 7.30pm.

For tickets, call the fundraising team on 01485 601701 or visit the website www.norfolkhospice.org.uk Tickets are also available from the Tourist Information Centre at the Town Hall, Hunstanton.

If you would like to organise an event to raise funds for The Norfolk Hospice call the fundraising team on 01485 601701 or email fundraisingteam@norfolkhospice.org.uk

Have you just organised an event to remember a loved one? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk