�A rare photograph of what is believed to be one of Cliff Richard’s first gigs has been published in the final book of a trilogy about life in the 60s.

The image has been reproduced in The Sixties Boys On Tour – the latest novel from Alan Hammond, who is orginally from Romford.

It shows Cliff Richard with drummer Terry Smart and guitarist Ian Samwell, from The Drifters, at Butlin’s in Clacton-On-Sea.

The picture was taken by Joan Saunders, of Mawney Road, Romford, who met the singer while on holiday at Butlin’s in 1958.

“Joan has let me use lots of photographs,” said Alan, 65. “But we decided to hold this one back for the very last book.

“It’s not very clear – but I think it was one of his first gigs which is really important.”

The novel continues with the adventures of Nick Sheldon. Now in his 60s, he wants to reform his band after 40-odd years and go back on the road to ride the wave of 60s nostalgia.

“Of all the books, this one has been my favourite,” said Alan. “I have really enjoyed putting it together and it starts from the 60s right up until today.”

Foreword by musician

Alan believes that one of the things that makes the book stand out is the foreword by musician Dave Berry.

“Dave is someone who lived through the 60s,” said Alan, “and, like Nick in the book, he is still performing.”

Alan starting writing the novel 18 months ago with help from his wife Christine, 64.

And photographs of Christine, as a girl in the 60s living in Romford, are also included.

Alan added: “You don’t have to have read the other books to read this one. It stands alone and it is just brilliant for anyone who wants to compare what life was like then to how it is now.”

n The Sixties Boys On Tour costs �9 and is available from a range of bookshops or from www.amazon.co.uk.