A replacement plaque has been unveiled at a nature reserve in East Ham.

The deputy lieutenant for Greater London, Kim Bromley-Derry - representing the queen, Elizabeth II - carried out the unveiling outside St Mary Magdalene's Church on Saturday, July 24.

Newham Recorder: The plaque replaces an original which mysteriously disappeared from the churchyard.The plaque replaces an original which mysteriously disappeared from the churchyard. (Image: Claudette King)

The plaque marks the queen's visit to Newham on December 14, 1983, and has been placed in front of a silver birch tree which was planted by her majesty 38 years ago.

Besides opening East Ham Nature Reserve - which is next to the church - the queen opened St Bartholomew's in Barking Road and Newham University Hospital on that visit.

Newham Recorder: The deputy lieutenant for Greater London, Kim Bromley-Derry CBE, unveils the plaque outside St Mary Magdalene's Church on Saturday, July 24.The deputy lieutenant for Greater London, Kim Bromley-Derry CBE, unveils the plaque outside St Mary Magdalene's Church on Saturday, July 24. (Image: Claudette King)

Saturday's event saw an honour guard formed by youngsters from East Ham RAF Air Cadets 282 Squadron, led by pilot officer Revd Canon Fred Ashford-Okai.

The plaque, which notes the planting of the tree, was blessed by the clergy of St Mary Magdalene's, Revd Quintin Peppiatt and Revd John King.

How or why the original plaque went missing remains a mystery to leaders at the church, which in recent years has been a target for antisocial behaviour.