ARTWORK from the trenches is helping Southend residents and visitors commemorate those who suffered and died in the First World War.

The Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, will be exhibiting etchings by Percy Delf Smith, who served with the Royal Marine Artillery on the Western Front between 1916 and 1919, from December 13, running until April 11.

The Dance of Death series summed up the horror and hopelessness of the war and were created by Smith using copperplates concealed in the pages of magazines which he used to make etchings from his sketches.

Many of his works are also on display in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Imperial War Museum.

Music of the war is also being explored on December 15 with three-piece vintage troupe, the Daisy Bowlers, performing war songs at the Royal Naval Association, East Street, from 8pm with doors opening at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £7.50 and are available from johnbakerwfa@gmail.com including a fish and chip supper.

Southend Central Museum on Victoria Avenue has also just acquired a model of a working trench as well as a replica of the Cenotaph.

A talk will also be held by historian Ken Crowe entitled Great War Hospitals in Southend, held between 2pm and 3.30pm on December 13 at The Forum, Elmer Square, with tickets priced £5 from www.theforumsouthend.co.uk