On Sunday, Sir David attended the HMS Leigh event to celebrate World War II Southend. The event celebrated Southend Pier as an icon of the past, illustrating its incredible history and the crucial role it played in World War II. Following on from its role in World War II, Southend Pier would often be referred to as the ‘Guardian of the Thames.’

HMS Leigh is a community-led heritage and arts project that aims to connect people of all ages with the history of Southend Pier. The project was created as part of the VE 75 celebrations in 2020 and has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Arts Council and Southend Borough Council.

Following his attendance at the event, Sir David said “It was so brilliant to attend the HMS Leigh Event and celebrate as a community, the everyday heroes and heroines who worked tirelessly to protect our shores. HMS Leigh was the departure point for thousands of convoys during World War II and we will be forever grateful for the truly remarkable role it played in the defence of Britain”.