Despite months of practising, Daniel Rouse had to pull out of his first Royal performance.

Downtown couple - Sophie and Edward hit Wickford. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL EQK3S18

The 17-year-old of Maylons, Felmores, was supposed to be one of those performing in a concert for Edward and Sophie at the Downtowner Club, in Irvon Hill Road, Wickford.

However, he had to cancel because he is still recovering from two operations to correct his curved spine.

He was not even due to be released from hospital until today but persuaded medics to let him watch his friends perform the short vocal harmony concert as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award.

However, Daniel refused to let the setback spoil his day and said: "It was alright not performing. "I had some pain in my side and I decided I would rather sit back and watch. It has helped me see it from a different perspective - it was amazing what we have achieved. I am proud of everybody else. It was an amazing experience."

His understudy Daniel Nelham, 17, of Haybridge Drive, Wickford, stepped in to fill the void and even got Sophie's seal of approval.

He said: "Sophie said we should all be famous and be going on programmes like Popstars. I might go and do it now I have got the praise from her!"

Another of the performers was Glyn Harres, 19, from Enfield, who has been working for his award at the Downtowner Club.

He said: "The Duke of Edinburgh experience has helped shape us into what we are today and it is something we will never forget.

"It was very nerve racking but it was very exciting. It was a once in a lifetime thing."

Even Michael Hobday, 22, of Worthing Road, Laindon, enjoyed taking part, despite normally performing with his boy band, Heat.

He said: "It was a bit worrying because although I have performed quite a bit, I had never performed to someone as important as that."

The other singers were Bernard Smith, 22, who used to live in Brundish, Pitsea, and Emma Derby, 20, of Pincey Mead, Pitsea.

Published Friday October 11, 2002

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