THE Mayor of Redbridge has thanked the borough’s military staff for their service during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Councillor Muhammed Javed hosted a celebration event at Valentines Mansion in Ilford on Monday where he paid tribute to the armed forces who were based at Hainault Forest Country Park and the Gordon Road TA Centre in Ilford during the Games.

The theme of the Valentines Mansion event was young people, with military and police cadets rubbing shoulders with serving officers recently returned from Afghanistan.

Cllr Javed, told the troops: " We were delighted to be able to welcome you all to the borough and are grateful to the important role you played."

Council leader, Keith Prince, also attended the event and announced the council is looking to enter into the Armed Forces Community Covenant, a voluntary statement of mutual support between the civilian community and local armed forces communities.

The covenant would encourage people to support the Armed Forces community in their areas and recognise and remember the sacrifices they have made.

Click here to follow the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian on Twitter

Click here to follow the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian on Facebook