A Watford musician took a leading role in the Olympics opening ceremony after being approached by organisers.

Rob Eckland, 24, was employed as a drum captain and helped coach dozens of volunteers in the months before Friday’s ceremony.

He played along with them during the industrial revolution scene before joining his fellow pros on stage for while the caldron was being lit.

Mr Eckland, of Berceau Walk, Watford, trained in percussion and piano at London’s Royal College of Music.

However, the former Watford Grammar School for Boys and Watford Music School pupil found himself in an unfamiliar role when he was asked to coach 60 volunteers.

Mr Eckland is no stranger to high-profile performances having played live on X Factor and at the NME Awards, he has also performed for Prince Charles, but said the opening ceremony was a memory he will always cherish.

"It was amazing being out there, like nothing I have done in my career before," he said.

"In the stadium everybody was standing up and dancing and getting really involved which was brilliant to see.

"It was the biggest gig I have had so far in my career."

Mr Eckland said one of the highlights for him was playing with renowned percussionist Evelyn Glennie as the caldron was lit.