THE Mayor of Redbridge has spoken of his delight after the organisers of London’s New Year’s Day Parade presented the borough with a special award.

Cllr Muhammed Javed was upset after the borough’s float, which was themed around his charity campaign Giving Time for Others, was snubbed by judges at the annual spectacular on Tuesday.

All of London’s boroughs enter floats in the parade, with judges awarding cash prizes to donate to charity for the best entries.

Redbridge’s float was expected to do well, but didn’t even make the top 10.

Bob Bone, Executive Director of the New Year’s Day Parade, told the Guardian: “For some reason it did not catch the eye of the judges.

“But it was an exceptional entry and I take my hat off to them.”

To make up for the disappointment Mr Bone is donating £2,000 to the mayor’s chosen charities - Redbridge Mencap and the Redbridge Carers Support Service.

Cllr Javed said: “The reaction of the public to our float was amazing and we were shocked not to get a prize as I think we were one of the few floats to take charity as a theme.

“I think the judges failed to understand what we were trying to do.

“While we don’t have the official recognition of a place in the top 10, we are grateful for the donation.

“Thanks to the Guardian for giving the organisers a nudge!”