A group of Chelsea Pensioners got a bird’s eye view of the Olympic Park when they were given the red carpet treatment by Newham Council.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Lester Hudson welcomed 27 old soldiers from the Royal Hospital Chelsea to the Olympic Park Viewing Gallery at the top of the Holden Point tower block in Waddington Road. Earlier they toured the Olympic Park.

The retired pensioners of the British Army enjoyed amazing views of the Olympic venues and also had a guided tour of Newham before having lunch with residents at Holden Point.

For some of the men in scarlet it wasn’t their first visit to Newham - one member was a former worker in the borough and commented that the changes to the place are “wonderful” and that he didn’t realise how much more Newham has to offer.

Councillor Hudson said: “It was an honour to meet the men who fought for our freedom and treat them to the most exciting view in London. They have seen much change over the years but couldn’t fail to be impressed by the scale of change here in Newham.”

If you want to find out about visiting the Olympic Park Viewing Gallery visit www.opvg.co.uk for more information.