The Elm Park Royal British Legion gave Havering’s Mayor its warmest welcome on a cold November evening.

Havering’s Mayor, Cllr Lynden Thorpe, stopped by at the club on Friday, November 23, before the Elm Park Christmas lights switch-on – and was pleasantly surprised to be given a signed football to auction for charity.

She met Barry Mugglestone, the legion’s new chairman, and chatted to people who worked on the Poppy Appeal.

“When the Mayor came to the Elm Park Fiesta in the summer she didn’t have time to visit the Elm Park British Legion, but she promised to call in next time,” explained the club’s Stephanie Nunn.

“Before she joined the lighting-up ceremony she met Barry for a drink to fulfil her promise.

“She also got a lovely surprise because we presented her with a signed West Ham football to be auctioned for her charity.”

Cllr Thorpe’s chosen charity for her year as Mayor is the Queen’s Theatre.