Boris was sharpening his claws at a campaign launch in Romford’s Mercury shopping centre on Saturday.

The People’s Pledge aims to put pressure on the Government to grant a referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU. One of its tactics is to hold small mock-referenda in different areas to highlight local interest.

While in Romford earlier this year, Mayor of London Boris Johnson signed the local petition for a mock-referendum - lending his name to its life-size mascot in the process.

Boris the Bear rubbed shoulders with Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, local campaigner Sue Cunningham and members of the national People’s Pledge team as they spoke to members of the public about the case for a vote on Europe.