A PIECE of music written in honour of a young soldier who died in the First World War is being premiered in his home town next week.

Sunday school teacher John Edgar was fatally injured during a direct hit on a western front trench on October 5, 1917, during the third Battle of Ypres.

The 22-year-old private, who served with 15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, was killed along with several senior officers.

He lived near the Hat and Feather pub, on the outskirts of Consett, and was honoured by Consett Junior School when one of the four houses was named after him.

Pte Edgar was a distant relative of teacher David Jackson, conductor of Consett Junior Brass and Consett Brass.

A piece of music in his honour has been written and will be performed for the first time at the Empire Theatre in Consett, as part of a powerful and moving show.

Mr Jackson said: “The first half of the concert is a commemoration of the First World War and I decided to have piece of music written so it would have its premiere on the night.

“There will be images to go with the music showing the soldiers of the First World War as part of a multi-media display.

“At a point in the music it will be very clear that that was the end of the life of John Edgar.

“It finishes, there is a silence and The Last Post is played.”

The main part of the evening will be performed by Consett Brass, Consett Salvation Army Band, White River Brass with a section also performed by Consett Junior Brass.

The piece, 494, is based on Pte Edgar’s favourite hymn, God Be With You, and has been composed by Salvation Army musician Paul Sharman.

Mr Jackson said: “It is very powerful and tells the story of John Edgar.”

  • Tickets cost £6 adults and £4 concessions and are available by calling the box office 01207-218-171.