Linda Dopson, standard bearer of the Royal British Legion in Manor Park, loves supporting the armed forces.

Whenever there is a big event in London, she is there joining in the parade, by marching round in support of those lost.

The 68-year-old, from Boundary Road, Plaistow, said every parade the women’s section is asked to attend is a “special one” to her.

“I’ve been to so many. they are all so memorable. I have been a part of the VE Days, Remembrance Days, VJ Day parades and even the new year celebrations and the Lord Mayor’s Shows.”

Linda attended 31 parades last year, before being entered into the national Chairman’s Cup competition by her chairwoman Anne Blainey, without her knowing.

She added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to bits as to get such great recognition, especially when there were so many other standard bearers, who were put in for the cup. I am just so pleased that Anne put me into the competition, which is great as I have been pounding the roads for so long now.”