Clap for Carers: Former British Army soldier saluting those on frontline with musical performances from top of cherry picker

Every Thursday night, Steve Carrigan, 62, who served with the Royal Corps of Transport for more than 20 years, has played the cornet to salute those working on the frontline.

Householders in The Hartings, Elsted and Didling have been been banging the drum, clanging saucepans and ringing bells but, in Treyford, many put down their improvised instruments just to listen to the 'plaintive melodies' of Steve's performance and applaud him at the end of his show.

Steve first put on the show from the 500 foot summit of Treyford Hill but, concerned not enough people could hear him, he started performing from the farm buildings below where he is hoisted 20 feet in the air to solo at the top of a cherry picker.

Steve's step-daughter Libby Parrish said: "Steve loves to play and this is his tribute to all our wonderful medical staff.

"He regularly plays for the Surrey Police Band and at 40s nostalgia shows.

"During his army years he also played for the Queen and accompanied Her Majesty to the Middle East for a concert before the King of Jordan. He will go on playing every Thursday night here in Treyford until lockdown is finished."

Somewhere Over The Rainbow, When The Saints Go Marching In and We'll Meet Again have been among the nostalgic songs played by Steve.

One local resident said the performances are 'truly moving', adding: "It binds those who hear him together in a way that is both moving, profound and defiant. He captures in some ethereal, almost celestial way the spirit of the nation."

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