THE eerie sound of a single drum will echo around Richmond's historic market place once more next month, evoking the local legend of the young boy who vanished underground.

It is said the drummer boy of old was once ordered to walk the length of a mysterious tunnel, thought to lead from the North Yorkshire Norman castle, overlooking the River Swale, to Easby Abbey, a mile or so downstream.

Other soldiers were to follow the beat of his drum above ground to chart the route of the underground path - but, suddenly, the noise ceased.

The young boy never emerged and was never seen again.

Eleven-year-old Richmond school pupil, Nathan Wilkie, need not worry too much. He will not be forced underground when the story is re-enacted on Sunday, June 3.

However, yesterday, he visited the Army's Normandy Band at Catterick Garrison, where he was given a few tips on how to walk and keep up a steady drum beat at the same time.

Captain Kevin Roberts said: "I am delighted we have been able to keep the local legend alive, despite a very busy season ourselves."

Local children are invited to join Nathan on the annual walk, which starts at the castle at 3pm.

The route will be altered slightly this year to divert walkers away from areas deemed at risk from foot-and-mouth disease.