Ann Thain, 52, from Gidea Park, was a marshal during the Paralympic opening ceremony, dancing as the Paralympians paraded through the stadium.

She said: “When I first entered the Olympic Park I felt so emotional, I felt so proud to be British, but also I am originally from the East End and what they have done to the area is wonderful.

“I looked into the canal and it is beautiful. My father died in 2006, but as a boy he learnt to swim in that canal. I wanted to say, ‘Hey Dad, look what they have done to the canal’.”

Ann, a former nursery nurse who now works in TV, added: “This whole experience has been amazing. I have met some wonderful and interesting people.

“We all had a common aim to do our very best and the dance teachers have had amazing patience.”