Solider Malcolm Philpott was in the spotlight today when he was chosen as one of the ushers at the Queen Mother's funeral.

Malcolm Philpott, 35, from Billericay, was one of four chosen from the Royal Anglian Regiment to assist at the prestigious occasion and was also involved in the march on Friday which saw London at a standstill as the Queen Mother's coffin was carried to Westminster.

The Queen Mother was the colonel-in-chief of the regiment and had visited several times.

Mr Philpott said: "The march was a fantastic event. I was in the procession behind the Royal Family members and about 100 metres behind the coffin.

"The march was great to be involved in, the adrenaline was running. We knew the crowds would be there, but we just tried to block them out and do the best job that we could."

Published Tuesday, April 9, 2002