A schoolgirl from north Suffolk will be rubbing shoulders with the prime minister as she takes centre stage at a campaign to promote the Royal British Legion.

Emily Takman will be attending a garden party at 10 Downing Street on Friday, June 10, hosted by David Cameron.

The nine year-old from Oulton, near Lowestoft, will be at the country's seat of power as part of the Great Poppy Party Weekend which will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion.

From June 10 to 12, parties will be held across the country in support of the Royal British Legion.

As part of the three-day national event Mr Cameron is hosting his own poppy party to which an excited Emily and her mother Wendy have been invited.

Emily has been chosen to attend the prestigious event as she has become the very public face of the Royal British Legion's 90th anniversary.

The Woods Loke Primary School pupil has appeared on brochures publicising the Great Poppy Party Weekend as a way of encouraging the younger generation to help support ex-servicemen and women.

Emily, who is also a budding dancer, said: 'I was really shocked when I found out I would be going to 10 Downing Street.

'I am really excited about meeting the prime minister and also a bit nervous.

'Every time I see him on the television now I think I am going to be meeting and talking to him soon.

'I don't know if there will be any other children there, I could be the only one.

'I hope I will be able to have my photo taken with David Cameron.

'This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm going to keep my invitation and everything from the day so that if I have any children I will be able to tell and show them about it.'

Emily is also organising her own fancy dress poppy party to help raise funds for the Royal British Legion

Her mother, from Dunston Drive, said: 'I think it is just an amazing opportunity for Emily. She will be able talk about it for years.'

Emily and her mother will be going to 10 Downing Street with Bruno Peek, from Great Yarmouth, who dreamt up the Great Poppy Party Weekend and is its national organiser.

Mr Peek hopes the nationwide parties will become an annual event.

He said: 'The Great Poppy Party Weekend provides the Royal British Legion with a summer family and community event it can use to raise funds.'

For information on staging a poppy party, visit the website www.thegreatpoppypartyweekend.org.uk