The Queen has visited Newham a number of times during her long reign but there is a man whose role it is to attend events in the borough on her behalf.

John Barber has been Newham's representative deputy lieutenant for the last ten years.

The unpaid position sees him represent the Lord Lieutenant of London, who in turn acts on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.

John said he attends around two to three events a week.

To mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, his itinerary includes a beacon lighting in Limehouse.

John revealed he has met Her Majesty three times, adding: "There's no distance with her, she has a very good sense of humour."

He explained that the role has enabled him to build up a relationship with the royals he has dealt with.

Newham Recorder: John attends Remembrance commemorations in East Ham in 2019John attends Remembrance commemorations in East Ham in 2019 (Image: Archant)

This includes Princess Anne, who he described as "down to earth".

John cited a visit she made last year to Theatre Royal Stratford East, where he described her knowledge of the people she was meeting as "incredible".

He has also met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as well as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

For John, who has also been chief executive of Stratford-based charity LM Kendon Settlement for around 20 years, representing Newham is "an immense honour".

His mother and father were both born in the borough and he lived in Forest Gate but now resides in Brentwood.

"I get a lot out of it because I enjoy doing it. It's as simple as that.

"I've never looked at doing what I do for what I'm going to get out of it. I'm just delighted to be there.

"When they know that you're the Queen's Lord Lieutenant's representative, people adore it."

He said the role means he meets "some very interesting people".

Among the accolades John gets to hand out are the Queen's Awards for enterprise and voluntary service.

He has also been at passing out parades for police cadets.

John wears a uniform to events but said he is not expected to when receiving a member of the Royal household unless it is the Queen.

"They love seeing you in uniform. Parents ask you to be photographed with their child because they like the uniform."

The Greater London Lieutenancy was formed in 1965 and each of the capital's 32 boroughs has a representative deputy lieutenant.