A north Suffolk girl had a very important date in London yesterday as she helped to promote the Royal British Legion's 90th anniversary.

Emily Takman, from Oulton, near Lowestoft, met prime minister David Cameron at a 10 Downing Street party celebrating the work of the legion.

The nine-year-old was among 160 people who attended the Great Poppy Party, one of hundreds taking place across the country this weekend which hope to raise millions for the armed forces charity.

Emily was invited to the high profile gathering as she is the public face of the Legion's 90th anniversary celebration and has organised her own poppy party.

She was soon the centre of attention at the party as she met Mr Cameron and handed him a Great Poppy Party T-shirt.

As she handed over the gift, Mr Cameron complimented Emily on her colourful and flowery dress, which featured poppies.

She also met second world war forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn and helped her cut a cake to mark the Legion's anniversary.

Emily, who goes to Wood Loke Primary School, said: 'It was really exciting meeting the prime minister. He told me he liked my dress and was very nice.'

Mr Cameron told the EDP: 'I am very pleased Emily came to Downing Street for our poppy party.

'I am sure everyone in Lowestoft is proud of the role Emily is playing in the celebrations.'

Among the guests at Mr Cameron's poppy party were injured service personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan, veterans and bereaved armed forces families

Emily and her mother Wendy had been invited to the party by Great Yarmouth man Bruno Peek who has organised the nationwide Great Poppy Party event.

Mr Peek said: 'It was a great start to the Great Poppy Party weekend.

It is about celebrating the Legion's past and looking forward to its future.'

See Monday's EDP and www.edp24.co.uk for a round-up of the weekend events from across the region.