A host of well known faces and local dignitaries were present today to welcome the Queen to Ilford.

The hit of the day was Mayor of London Boris Johnson who spent a long time greeting the crowd and shaking hands with people waiting for the Queen.

Also present were author and restaurateur Terence Conran, the Mayor of Redbridge Cllr Chris Cummins together with Mayoress Helen Johnson.

Labour MP for Ilford South Mike Gapes and Conservative MP for Ilford South Lee Scott were also in attendance.

Mr Johnson said: “I think it’s great that she’s chosen Redbridge to be the place of launching her Diamond Jubilee tour.

“I hope people will be impressed by the event today and see everything Redbridge has to offer. I think what they have done with the Mansion has been incredible.”

Referring to the warm weather Mr Johnson said: “Redbridge arranged the weather too. We should call it royal Redbridge now.”

The Queen visited Valentines Park in Ilford to open a new dry garden and unveil a plaque to commemorate the event.

She also went on a tour of Valentines Mansion with Redbridge Council leader Cllr Keith Prince.

After visiting the Mansion the Queen looked at an exhibition of art work done by children from schools in Redbridge.