A MEMORIAL bench has been unveiled in tribute to a popular musician who died last year.

Harry Day, who died in September aged 87, was a professional drummer and singer.

The seat in memory of him is on Southend cliffs near the Navy and Military Club in Royal Terrace.

His daughter Susie, of Fairfax Drive, Westcliff, officially unveiled the bench.

She said: "We, the family, thought this was a great idea for dad, so he could still be in Southend where he walked and met his friends. It is a lovely place for him where his ashes are scattered and he belongs in nice surroundings.

"We want people to please join Harry and sit on his seat and have a chat and a nice view of the seafront.

"Also, a plaque will be going in the Kursaal Southend and we would like to say thanks for this."

Although Harry was born in Kent, he had lived in Southend since 1945.

He had originally looked for band work in London, but then found employment at Mecca's Olympia Ballroom in Southend.

The ballroom was where he met his future wife Rose, who was working as an usherette.

They got married at the end of the decade and went on to have three children.

Miss Day is currently registering a charity called Our Harry Charity to help children with special needs.

For more information call 07779 039002.