A TAVISTOCK bandsman came face to face with his Maori counterparts recently when he visited New Zealand.
Douglas Clarkson, 27, from Bishopsmead, is solo clarinettist with the Royal Marines Band, based in Plymouth.
He joined 280 other military musicians from the UK performing the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, centre-piece in New Zealand's Festival 2000, which was staged in the nation's capital Wellington.
Douglas is seen here with two members of Ngati Rangiwewehi performing group.
'My visit to New Zealand has been a great experience. It's a beautiful country and we have been met with kindness and friendship throughout our visit,' he said.
For the show, the battlements and clocktower of Edinburgh Castle were replicated full-size in the new West Pac stadium, which was packed on each of the four nights. It was estimated some 80,000 people saw the show.
Douglas has travelled extensively since completing his musician training. As well as New Zealand, he has been to the USA, Iceland, Holland, Canada and Malta with the band.
He is due to be posted to the Royal Marines band in Dartmouth where he will join his brother-in-law Daryl Powel.
Picture by Wayne Humphreys