The strains of classical strings echoed over the Thames estuary at a charity concert in Southend's pier pavilion.
The black tie concert was held to raise money for a new leukaemia ward at Southend Hospital and was attended by councillors and other dignitaries.
Southend-based composer Barrington Pheloung presided over proceedings, conducting London's Metropolitan Orchestra, which comprised some of the country's finest musicians. Pavilion owner Fran McGinty, who also provided food for the event, said it had gone very well.
He said: "Barrington and the Metropolitan Orchestra played a really nice selection of his own compositions, and a few well known pieces as well. Each musician was an individual in their own right, and the cellist was breathtaking."
He hopes to make the the event an annual one at the Pier Pavilion.
On my beat - conductor Barrington Pheloung takes up the baton at the Pier Pavilion
Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article