A party of 20 people from the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women made the journey from Southend to London to attend a royal garden party.

The group joined 1,500 others at Buckingham Palace for what they described as a wonderful day. All are receiving war pensions and were either captured and made prisoners of war, or injured while serving.

Renee Plaskow, chairman of association, said: "We are the not forgotten association of disabled people who have a war pension from the Government.

"One of our members managed to get 20 tickets for the garden party. It was a wonderful day, we had a wonderful tea, and the band played and the rain even held off."

She said all the party enjoyed themselves, mixing with celebrities such as Sir John Mills and Norman Wisdom.

Palace date - the ex-service men and women prepare to head for London

</STRONG Picture: ANDY PALMER

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