The centenary of a wartime hit drew in the crowds for an anniversary performance.

It's A Long Way To Tipperary was first performed by music hall entertainer Jack Judge at the Grand Theatre in Stalybridge - exactly 100 years ago.

Crowds gathered outside Stalybridge Civic Hall today, where a statue of Jack Judge now stands, for a special performance by Stalybridge Old Band and children from nearby St Peter's primary school.

See the St Peter's pupils and Stalybridge Old Band performing in the video below ...

Councillors also unveiled a plaque to remember the song which put the town on the musical map.

Centenary of 'It's A Long Way To Tipperary' to be celebrated in Stalybridge (distance 315 miles)

The famous tune was reportedly written just 24 hours before its first performance, after Judge accepted a five shilling bet that he couldn't write an original song ready to perform the following day.

It was later adopted by British troops as a marching tune during the First World War.

Local historian Mark Sheppard, from Stalybridge Historical Society which inspired the celebrations, said: "We are absolutely delighted, it couldn't have gone better.

"It's lasted 100 years - not many songs do - and it's known all over the world.

"The children were fantastic, the band was fantastic. We'd like to thank everyone who was involved and the people of Tameside for turning up. "

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