If a member of the armed forces drives your bus or serves you in the supermarket on Wednesday, there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation.

Reservists are urged to swap their usual work attire for their military wear on Uniform to Work Day to demonstrate the contribution ordinary citizens make to the forces.

They are people who manage to combine their civilian career with a paid job in the armed forces during their spare time.

The day is being held in the run up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday, which is being marked by flying the armed forces flag from the town halls in East Ham and Stratford.

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: “Reservists play an important role in our community and the armed forces.

“We are proud of all our residents who are reservists and grateful to those local businesses that employ them day to day and support them in their reserve forces role.

“Reservists come from every walk of life.

“The invaluable experience gained through their armed service jobs can directly benefit employers through exceptional team working, leadership and crisis management skills.”

Newham has strong links with the armed forces, with G Company 7 Rifles being based at The Cedars Army Reserve Centre in Portway, West Ham.

Anyone aged 18 to 43 who is interested in becoming an army reservist can find out more by visiting the company on Tuesday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm or by calling 020 8472 0140.