Tom ‘honoured’ to lead all-star tribute to fallen

100 YEARS ON FROM END OF WORLD WAR ONE

BIG Ben will chime today to mark the centenary of the Armistice, despite the clock tower being covered in scaffolding for repairs.

The 13.7 tonne bell, in the Elizabeth Tower in Westminster, will sound 11 times at 11am to start the traditional two minutes silence. It will strike a further 11 times at 12.30 as part of a programme of events to mark the end of the Great War. SIR Tom Jones and Sheridan Smith gave a star-studded performance in front of the Queen last night to honour the war dead.

The Voice judge, 78, took to the stage in front of a VIP audience for the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

He later posted behind-thescenes pictures on Twitter showing him rubbing shoulders with those who served.

Sir Tom tweeted: “A privilege to spend time & chat with World War 1 veterans this afternoon. #thankyou100 #festivalof remembrance #ww1”.

He said it was “an honour” to take part, and added: “This year is particularly poignant as it marks a century of the Armistice!”

Actress Sheridan, 37, said she was also delighted to be involved.

She then added: “It’s been such an honour to be a part of this.”

The Queen was joined by PM Theresa May, Prince William and Kate, and Prince Harry and Meghan, who watched performances from McFly stars Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones. British cellist Sheku KannehMason, who won the BBC Young Musician of the Year contest in 2016, and the Kingdom Choir, which sung at Harry and Meghan’s wedding, also took part. The festival, which was shown on BBC One last night, was staged by the Royal British Legion as a “thank you to all who served, sacrificed and changed our world”.