A reception for members of G Company 7 Rifles based in Portway, West Ham, was held at the Old Town Hall in Stratford, to mark the centenary of the TA and the operational service of its members.

The Mayor also honoured Army bomb disposal experts from the 33 Engineer Regiment of the Royal Engineers who recently defused a 2,200lb Second World War bomb that was discovered in Stratford.

The Mayor presented plaques with the borough crest to both units and in return received plaques from them.

Sir Robin said: "I am proud to be able to say thank you on behalf of the residents of the borough for the work you that you do and the commitment that you show both here and abroad.

"We ask you to put your lives on the line for us and you do so with great courage. As a council we will continue to support the TA and encourage our young people to look at the many opportunities you offer."

Brigadier David Paterson from the TA said: "The volunteer reserve forces have a vital role in Britain's defence capability. The support we receive from Newham Council is very important to us and we are particularly proud to be based here."

Deputy Mayor Councillor Christine Bowden, Civic Ambassador Councillor Akbar Chaudhury, fellow councillors and Col Mike Dudding, Lord Lieutenant of Newham also attended the reception.

The Mayor reserved special praise for the officers who defused the bomb in Stratford. He said: "What you did in defusing the bomb was amazingly brave and you did so with the minimum of disruption to people's lives.

"It is amazing to think that we are still under threat from bombs that were dropped more than 60 years ago but I am glad there are some great people like you to deal with them."