As the man behind the popular Royal Marine's pantomime in Deal, few might be aware of Brian Short's military service during the Falklands war.

Although he joined the marines as a musician, when the Argentines invaded the Falklands islands, Mr Short and his fellow musicians in the Royal Marine Band were deployed.

They were placed on the cruise ship Canberra for the duration of the conflict, and undertook a full range of military and medical duties.

He said: "This included dealing with those killed or wounded, guarding Argentine prisoners before returning them home, and even playing music to keep up the morale of our own marines and soldiers."

With the 40th anniversary approaching in 2022, Mr Short has written a book about his "exciting, dangerous and sometimes sad" Falklands war experience.

It is called ‘The Band That Went To War’, published by Pen & Sword, available at The Deal Bookshop in the High Street.

A book signing event at the same shop has been postponed due to Covid but is hoped to be rescheduled.

Mr Short is best known as the writer and director of the annual Sergeant's Mess pantomimes having resurrected the tradition in 2013.

The annual sell-out productions at the Astor Community Theatre have raised more than £150,000 for the Royal Marines Charity and many local good causes.

Pantomimes have included The Sound of Muesli, Pirates of the Curried Beans, Skinderella, Dad‘s Barmy and Wonky Willy.

This year's It Is Quite Hot, Mother is a nod to the very un-PC show of the 1980s.

It will run from January 6-14.