Fovant remembrance: 13-year-old Godolphin pupil plays The Last Post

Crystal Martel, pupil at Godolphin School, performed The Last Post and Reveille atop St George's Church tower and at the Fovant war memorial.

Fovant's previous bugle player retired this year so the search began for someone to play at the service.

The 13-year-old, of Swallowcliffe, had just four weeks to learn the songs after her father, Steve Martel, put Crystal's name forward to organisers.

Steve told the Journal: “I said our daughter Crystal plays the trumpet and she’d be willing to learn The Last Post.

“She did really well."

Watch 13-year-old Crystal play The Last Post

Crystal has been playing the trumpet for three years and has just passed her grade five theory.

She said: "I found it quite easy to learn and it was very fun to play.

"There was a bit of a crowd. I was quite nervous before doing it but once I started, I was fine."

Mother Jess Martel said playing atop the tower was quite daunting for Crystal as she's "not very fond of heights".

Crystal Martel playing on top of St George’s Church tower. (Image: Public)

The family moved to Swallowcliffe two years ago and decided Godolphin would be the best school for their daughter since she loves music.

In addition to playing the trumpet, Crystal also plays the piano and sings.

Reflecting on her daughter's performance, Jess added: "I’m very proud of her.

“She gets cross with me because I always end up in tears when she performs."

Both services were well attended and St George’s Church in Fovant is a recognised commonwealth war grave cemetery.