PRINCE Charles and Camilla paid another enduring tribute to Sir David Amess by naming a new electronic pier train after him just minutes after Southend was made a city.

The much-anticipated unveiling of the new train was was held yesterday after the Royal couple presented Letters Patent from the Queen, officially conferring city status on Southend.

The £3.2million pier train project has seen two ecofriendly vehicles added to the huge attraction with technology described as state-of-theart.

Sir David was also made the first freeman of the city at the special council meeting yesterday.

Former Southend mayor, John Lamb, Tory West Leigh councillor, said: “The train is certainly such a tribute to Sir David.

“I’m glad to see these new trains coming through now and the first one is now for him.

“I think it’s a lasting legacy for him and both the train and the freeman of the city are also amazing for the family.

“I am also pleased about this as I supported this and think it’s great. He would have loved all this and really enjoyed all the festivities of the celebrations.”

Mr Lamb, who is also a friend of the Amess family, said Sir David’s wife and children were pleased with the award and honours for him.

He said they were too emotional to speak themselves in the meeting.

Tandra Forster, executive director for adults and communities at City of Southend Council, was on hand for the unveiling.

She said: “Prince Charles was really nice and I haven’t met them before. They were both very personable and it’s a complete honour to have them down.

“I am really proud on city status day and it’s been fantastic, we have all been very much looking forward to this.”

In September the trains, including include additional capacity, USB charging points, and have state-of-the-art audio visual equipment. arrived on the seafront.

Carole Mulroney, Lib Dem councillor for environment, culture, tourism and planning, said Prince Charles was very interested in the trains.

She met and spoke to the Royals and said: “He was absolutely charming and interested in what we are doing our city.

“It was so brilliant - bit of a pity about the weather but it didn’t stop us being on cloud nine.”