The Olympics and Paralympics came to London in July and August, and people across Redbridge played their part in the festival of sport.

As we reach the second half of our Review of the Year, we look back at the momentous summer.

July

A pensioner miraculously avoided being seriously injured when a lorry came ploughing into her front room in Gants Hill on July 10.

The tipper truck lost control after hitting a parked car in Eastern Avenue and crashed into the house, burying the cab completely inside.

Kevin Carr, of Basildon, was driving behind the lorry then it happened.

Mr Carr said: “It just unfolded in front of you like a film.

“I had visions of someone dead in that house.”

The vehicle had to be moved bit by bit to ensure the building was structurally safe.

To see a gallery of pictures of the lorry crash, click on the link at the top right of this page.

Also this month:

• Councillor survives being stabbed in chest by gang in Newbury Park

• “Amazing” bilingual parrot on the loose in Ilford

• “Ronnie Kray” the cat back four years after fight with brother Reggie in Goodmayes.

August

The Olympics might not have come to Redbridge, but Redbridge certainly went to the Olympics as hundreds of residents made their mark in opening and closing ceremonies and as ambassadors and games makers.

At the spectacular opening ceremony, volunteers performed as miners and real-life NHS workers danced while Redbridge musicians helped provide the soundtrack and a Seven Kings carpenter watched the house he helped build become a party centrepiece.

Ilford bhangra troupe VP Entertainment took the stage with Python Eric Idle for Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life in the closing ceremony and countless games makers were honoured for their invaluable work through both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sporting venues in Redbridge also hosted athletes training for their events.

Also this month:

• Teenager stabbed while waiting for hair cut in Ilford

• South Woodford Olympics volunteer given hat by Usain Bolt after friendly chat

• Tributes paid to Barkingside cyclist killed in Olympic Park coach collision

• Residents would invite aliens “in for tea and biscuits” after UFO spotted in Woodford Green.