WAR memorials at 20 churches either side of the Welsh border will echo to the sounds of The Last Post as part of preparations for next month’s commemorations marking the centenary of the Armistice in 1918.

Former Welsh Guardsman Kelvyn Jenkins, who masterminded Hay-on-Wye’s major tribute in August to those who fought in the First World War, will be sounding the bugle at 10 war memorials in Herefordshire and a further 10 in Breconshire.

With him will be president of Hay-on-Wye branch of the Royal British Legion, Mervyn Bufton, standard bearer Pauline Williams and branch secretary, Melanie Owen, reading her deeply moving poem specially written for the commemorations.

Kelvyn, an Army clarinettist for 30 years with the Welsh Guards and for a further five years with the Irish Guards, will also be performing the Last Post in Ypres, accompanied by the standard bearer. “We will be visiting the Menin Gate, a German war cemetery and the Artillery Wood cemetery,” he explained.

His specially made Great War uniform, including boots – and puttees dating back 100 years - gives him a look of authenticity as he sounds the bugle.

Melanie said she has been writing poetry since she was 15. “The poem is an honour to express those feelings that are close to my heart,” she said.

The tour of honour around county war memorials has received sponsorship from the Co-operative supermarket. Hereford manager, Nathan Heighway said £500 was to be donated, and that 20 Christmas hampers would be distributed among 10 veterans in Herefordshire and a further 10 over the Welsh border.

Said Kelvyn: “I’m happy to visit any churches I may have forgotten. If there is a church or chapel out there that never gets the Last Post, I will be there.”

His group will be leaving for Belgium on November 7.